THE executive department has endorsed the legal officer of the Cebu City Transportation Office, Kent Francesco Jongoy, to replace Norvin Imbong as the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project manager.
The announcement was made by City Administrator Collin Rosell after the flag raising at the Plaza Sugbo grounds on Monday, March 4, 2024.
SunStar Cebu sought clarification from Rosell on the process of appointing a new CBRT project manager, whether the Department of Transportation’s approval was required and whether Jongoy was qualified for the position. Rosell has yet to reply.
Jongoy, in a Facebook Messenger interview, said that if appointed, the task is a “very tall order.” He thanked Mayor Michael Rama for the trust.
Jongoy expressed hope that all stakeholders will come together for the completion of the CBRT project.
When asked about his first agenda if he is in the position, Jongoy said he will “try to resolve what went wrong.”
Rama first criticized Imbong because of what he said were many mistakes, especially in coordination.
“Enough is enough,” Rama said about Imbong.
Revamp
Rosell also announced the appointment of new department heads and assistant department heads, including his role as the new administrator of the Cebu City Medical Center in place of the late Sonia Empinado.
Rosell will also serve as the head of the Market Authority and Terminal Accreditation Committee.
Rosell said that he was appointed as the CCMC administrator to focus on the completion of the building, saying, “the poor cannot wait.”
Estela Grace Rosit is now the assistant to Rhoda Uy, who is the head of the Cebu City Public Information Office.
Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer-in-charge Harold Alcontin and Cebu City Transportation Office officer-in-charge Raquel Arce were both promoted as full-time department heads.
Dominic Diño, Rama’s former executive assistant and Tomas Osmeña’s former chief of staff, assumed the position of executive secretary previously held by Remedios Vestil Mondigo, who was transferred as head of the Cultural, Heritage and Arts Office.
Diño was also appointed as Rama’s representative in the Mining Regulatory Board, Joint Venture Selection Committee, Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, and City’s Peace and Order Council. Replacing Kim Esmeña-Banquirigo as chief of staff is Glicerio “Cerj’’ Germondo Jr. while Banquirigo will focus on the Local School Board.
Rotation
“I know some are surprised, while some are not happy. But life is always ups and downs like a spinning wheel,” said Rama in his speech.
Rama said the rotation of department heads is just the first phase, since something else will happen next week. He also asked the employees to support his son Mikel in his candidacy for councilor in the south district. / AML