IT CAN be noticed that with the entry of the new administrations of elected officials, new approaches in governance can be seen.
Starting with the very proactive Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso who assertively cleaned the once-clogged streets in Divisoria and Quiapo, focus is on what the local officials can do impressively.
With the grit and political will of Mayor Isko, I’m sure he will do wonders in the once-attractive city of Manila!
On the downside, Angeles City is reportedly in the red, thanks to the huge liabilities it has incurred through the years. Former Mayor Ed Pamintuan has written SunStar and contradicted reports that the city is in the red.
Now, this is a big challenge to Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin as he does not plan to increase real property taxes. What then is the immediate solution?
Laying-off some 500 job order contract holders was one approach to this problem. Then what?
Proper, rigid and sustained collection efforts on taxes due and payable is another solution. The prosperous and progressive city of Angeles cannot slide down so easily.
The honorable members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod can probably find deep solutions to the deeper problems the city is now facing including biting the bullet, as they say.
Mayor Pogi told the Korean investors that they are safe in his city and that they are no longer prey to mulcting employees. A one-strike policy was set up by Mayor Pogi.
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In Mabalacat City, a lean but mean system of governance is being aimed at by Mayor Crisostomo Garbo. And he means it.
First on his list was the disengagement of job contract holders, including those of the losing councilors, and some casual employees.
Next was the assessment of the efficiency of the remaining employees (those not included in the purge). They were recalled and assigned to their mother or original units, meaning, all those who were seconded to offices were ordered to go back to their original appointments.
The City Administrator is now Atty. Emmanuel Ignacio, replacing Rosan Paquia, EnP, who was appointed chief of staff.
In his new post, Atty. Ignacio will provide an environment conducive to effective and productive work output. He is deliberate in his work and focused on his assigned tasks which, by the way, are varied and many.