AS THE 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Mandaue City neared the end of its term, outgoing Vice Mayor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz highlighted key accomplishments, including the creation of plantilla positions for long-serving job order (JO) workers and the passage of a new Environment Code.
In an interview on Monday, June 23, 2025, Ruiz noted that many JO employees had served the city for years without the benefit of permanent status.
Addressing this through plantilla creation was one of the City Council’s significant achievements, said Ruiz.
She also described the Environment Code as a landmark legislation that would help shape the city’s long-term environmental and sustainability policies.
A final session of the outgoing council has been scheduled for Monday, June 30, with the newly elected city officials expected to attend, following a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive.
The official turnover of offices between outgoing and incoming officials will also take place on the same day.
Reflecting on the dynamics of the council, Ruiz acknowledged that the legislative process often depended on the strength of political blocs.
She said it was expected that the majority aligned with the former mayor Jonas Cortes would have most of their measures passed.
However, despite being part of the minority, Ruiz recognized the merit of the ordinances approved by the majority, saying these were generally beneficial to the city.
She further observed that with the incoming council now equally divided between political groups, more in-depth deliberations are likely to take place in the passage of ordinances.
“Healthy discussions will definitely be more intense now that both sides have equal representation. But what matters most is working together for the good of the Mandauehanons,” she said.
Ruiz urged the next set of officials to work collaboratively and not focus solely on political alignments.
She said legislative work should be done for the welfare of the Mandauehanons.
“Healthy relationship”
Incoming Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, who will serve as the presiding officer of the new SP, expressed his intention to cultivate a healthy and cooperative relationship with incoming council members.
He anticipates harmonious sessions under his leadership, although he recognizes that debates and disagreements are a natural part of any legislative body.
Bercede also reflected on his stint as acting mayor following Cortes’ dismissal, saying the experience gave him a deeper appreciation of the demands of the position.
He acknowledged the weight of the responsibility involved in executive leadership and said it had strengthened his resolve to support the City’s governance through effective legislation.
“Being mayor is no easy task. There’s immense pressure and responsibility. It made me realize just how big a sacrifice it is to serve in that capacity,” he said.
As he prepares to assume his new post, Bercede said he is focused on helping craft sound, people-centered policies and act as a vital link between the executive and legislative branches of the City Government.
All newly elected officials are scheduled to formally assume office at noon on June 30.
Formal tribute
Meanwhile, Monday’s session presided over by Ruiz gathered council members, city staff and Bercede for a formal tribute to the outgoing officials.
The event served both as a closing ceremony for the current council and a celebration of the accomplishments achieved under the Bercede administration.
Plaques and certificates of appreciation were awarded to outgoing city councilors, legislative assistants and JO staff in recognition of their service and contributions throughout the term.
Dubbed the “16th SP Recognition and Tribute,” the session highlighted the collective efforts that shaped local governance over the years. (CAV)