BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia called on city officials to forget politics and work together for the progress of the city.
“Let’s forget politics. The result of the election is a message of our people that we must work together for the progress of Bacolod,” Leonardia said in his inaugural speech during the rites held at the People’s House (also known as the New Government Center) on Tuesday.
Leonardia, who took his oath before Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao,” said that they should put Bacolod back on track.
During the ceremonies, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran took oath before Senator Aquilino Pimentel III while Representative Greg Gasataya was inducted into office by Senate President Franklin Drilon.
Ten of the 12 city councilors, including Ricardo Tan, Caesar Distrito, Cindy Rojas, Renecito Novero, Em Ang, Elmer Sy, Ann Marie Palermo, Dindo Ramos, Bart Orola, and Sonya Verdeflor, took their oath before Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Anita Chua.
Councilors Wilson Gamboa Jr. and Claudio Puentevella were absent.
Despite heavy rains, hundreds of guests from various sectors as well as city employees, barangay officials, and supporters of the ruling part Grupo Progreso attended the inaugural ceremonies. Mayors from other cities and towns in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, also came as well as Bong Duterte, brother of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Our endeavor is to build, strengthen, and enhance economic infrastructure, social services, human resources, and good governance. And to achieve these, we want to restore business confidence and create an economic climate that will accelerate business development and growth in the city," Leonardia said.
He added that his administration will also cut the red tape as earlier directed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The mayor said he wants the business permits to be processed as soon as possible as he shared that he received an information that there are fixers inside the Government Center.
Leoanardia said he will also push to repeal the real property tax (RPT) ordinance.
He added that he will write a letter addressed to the City Council asking that it should be repealed.
“If we agree with the new RPT, I assure you that if you shake my hands that handshake is good as cash,” Leonardia added.
The city mayor also encouraged barangay officials to be business-friendly to create an economic climate.
Leonardia also said he will push for the realization of the new Bacolod economic highway projects that will create a new growth center in the city, and to address the traffic, education, and garbage problems.
“Let us all march towards peace, progress, and prosperity,” he urged Bacolodnons.
For his part, Gasataya said they are ready to work for the people of Bacolod.
He said anybody he had met told him to start their work and stop the politics because the elections are over.
“The people are expecting a lot from us,” he added. “I guarantee the people of Bacolod that I will continue to work and I don't get tired of working for Bacoleños.”
Gasataya said that on June 30, he filed House Bill 147 to establish two congressional districts in Bacolod.
“I will continue to do the projects started by Mayor Leonardia,” he added. “Thank you for your all support and please watch me work.”
Meanwhile, Pacquiao said, “As an adopted son of Bacolod, I am thankful to be here, to show my support and love to the city mayor.”
He said Leonardia could bring new developments to Bacolod.
For his part, Drilon said that there is a hope in the new administration in Bacolod.
“For the first time that we can see a united political leadership from the mayor to the congressman, vice mayor, and city councilors,” he said.
Pimentel also said he believes on the political leadership of Leonardia to bring more projects and programs for the people of Bacolod.