BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental have expressed their dismay and disappointment over the hiring of non-city residents by Mayor Benjie Miranda for employment in various positions at the City Hall.
The sentiments of the Kabankalan City Council were conveyed through a resolution they unanimously approved during their regular session on July 18, which was presided over by Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco.
Members of the Kabankalan City Council, however, were accused of “bullying” by Miranda.
In a statement, Miranda said there are so many relevant resolutions that should be given much attention by the City Council, such as establishment of Land Transportation Office, creation of a drainage master plan, installation of street lights and CCTV, more ambulances, garbage compactors, strengthening of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, among others.
Zayco disclosed that Miranda hired at least 23 people to work at various offices of Kabankalan City Hall, instead of giving preference to unemployed Kabankalanons in dire needs of jobs.
Of the 23 persons employed at the Kabankalan City Hall, Zayco said he got received reports that six of them have been assigned at the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and its technical working group, while others were assigned at the General Services Office and Office of the City Agriculture.
By approving such resolution, Zayco, who ran and won as vice mayor of Kabankalan City, while not affiliated with the party of then Mayor Pedro Zayco, emphasized that the SP only wants to convey a message that Kabankalanons should be given preference in the hiring of workers.
While he appreciates the retention of job order employees by Miranda, he however said that contracts will end on July 31.
There is no politics here, Zayco pointed out.
Miranda sought the cooperation of the City Council for the progress of Kabankalan City.
Majority of the members of Kabankalan City Council are identified with the group of the previous administration, he said.
Atty. Jose Edward Davila, former Silay City Administrator, has been hired by Miranda as officer in charge of the Kabankalan City Legal Office, while former Board Member Reynaldo Novero was employed as the City Administrator.*
