CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes "Girlie" Balaba has dismissed claims that her designation as acting mayor is a tell-tale sign that she will replace Mayor Oscar Moreno after he finishes his term in 2022.
Balaba said that as a newcomer in local politics, she has yet to learn the basics in governance and legislation.
"I have to be really honest gyud. Bag-o man gyud ko sa politics. Nagtuon pa ko, parang on-the-job training. I'm really just trying to observe kung how discussions are being exchanged sa mga debate diha sa sulod sa session hall," she said.
Moreno designated Balaba as officer-in-charge for a week while he and Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy are out of the country to attend the 17th Kagay-
anon International Tapok 2019 in the United States. Balaba will be acting as the city mayor of Cagayan de Oro from July 25 to August 1.
"I will act as the city mayor of Cagayan de Oro ug ang policies and programs ni mayor, wala man tay problema ana, so we will just continue and maintain and keep the government running," Balaba said, assuring that no changes will happen during her week as acting mayor.
First day
On her first day as acting mayor, Balaba talked to Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Director Colonel Henry Dampal to get updates on the peace and order situation in the city.
"Wala tay problema sa peace and order. Gamay ra, mga minor or petty crimes ang nahitabo," Balaba said.
"Akong gihangyo kay Colonel Dampal nga one week, I'll be acting as your city mayor, unta dili ko niya tagaan og sakit sa ulo aron nga dili pud maglabad ang iyang ulo," she added.
Balaba is also praying that no huge crimes, accidents or disasters will happen under her watch.
Nonetheless, she also talked with Verner Monsanto of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department who reported that the weather will be fair in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Councilor Roger Abaday will take over the duties of Uy.
Trip to US
Also joining Moreno and Uy to the US are City Administrator Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr., City Budget Officer Percy Salazar, and Councilors Ma. Lourdes Gaane, Suzette Magtajas-Daba, Jay Pascual, Enrico Salcedo, Edna Dahino and Zaldy Ocon.
Balaba described this assignment as "baptism of fire."
"For a newbie in politics, I was given a big task by our Mayor Oscar Moreno. But I am honored and grateful that the mayor trusts in my capability to keep the government running. I can now work more closely with the people," she said.
"Though I have some trepidations, I assure the people of Cagayan de Oro and most especially to Mayor Moreno, that I will not fail in their trust and faith in me. I will do my job the best way I can. May God bless us all," Balaba said in a text message.
Based on the law of succession, Balaba was designated for garnering the second most number of votes in the elections, next to Councilor Edna Dahino.