“ORGANIZED and ready to help” is how Tabogon Municipal Councilor Francis Salimbangon envisions the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu chapter under his leadership.
Salimbangon is the son of former fourth district congressman Benhur Salimbagon and the brother of defeated One Cebu vice gubernatorial candidate Daphne Salimbangon.
But while no one stood up to challenge his candidacy on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, the second-term councilor might only have 15 months to serve as president of the PCL local chapter and as ex-officio member of the Provincial Board (PB).
Term sharing
Salimbangon and the camp of Sibonga Councilor Caroline Bacaltos have agreed on a term-sharing scheme reportedly patterned after the speakership at the House of Representatives.
This was the compromise the two groups have agreed on since both Salimbangon and Bacaltos belong to Garcia-led One Cebu.
This would mean that Salimbangon’s group will serve the first 15 months, while Bacaltos will serve the next 19 months of the 34-month term until June 30, 2022.
“The 15 months are not enough, it’s too short for a term. But I will try my best to maximize this period to accomplish my plans. We’re both aiming for one purpose which is to serve all councilors in the province of Cebu,” Salimbangon said in Cebuano.
Both camps have also agreed to consult the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PCL national chapter on whether term-sharing for the entire slate would not run counter to law.
P5,000 aid
For now, Salimbangon’s priorities include the extension of P5,000 worth of financial aid to councilors who might need hospital cash deposit for accidents and health concerns.
The money may come from the funds of the PCL local chapter. This is still to be finalized.
Salimbangon also wants the local chapter to be given authority over its members during national conventions to address accommodation woes, among others.
Sought for comment, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia welcomed the victory of an ally that would add another member to the PB’s majority group.
“It makes for a stronger support from the PB, but as I see it now, even those who are not our allies are supporting our programs, projects and plans. I appreciate the PB for that. I am also appreciative of the fact that our allies were the ones that vied for the top position. But eventually, both camps decided on a compromise,” she said.
League officers
Under Salimbangon’s term, Toledo City Councilor Ricardo Pepito is vice president and Boljoon Councilor Alexseus Celis, secretary general.
Councilors Jojessa Hortellano of Tabogon and Mary Greleigh Cabrera of Santa Fe are treasurer and auditor.
Emelita Gabito of Madridejos is press relations officer and Cyrus Otadoy of Tudela is business manager.
Elver Ali Abucay (Daanbantayan), Michael Comedia (Dalaguete), Marie Immaline Cortes-Zafra (Mandaue City), Lorna Gonzales (Balamban), Mark Andrew Jorolan (Badian), Marvin Miralles (Pinamungajan), Reinerio Miranda Jr. (Argao) and Elenito Palang (Consolacion) compose the board of directors.