BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and former mayor Monico Puentevella led the unveiling of their portraits at the lobby of the Bacolod City Government Center yesterday.
Alongside their portraits was that of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, who served as city mayor when Puentevella was suspended for about three months in relation to a case involving the questionable purchase of computers for public schools in Bacolod City.
Meanwhile, the flag at the BCGC was flown at half-mast after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an order proclaiming July 31 to August 9 as days of mourning following the death of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Puentevella, who was appointed by Ramos as a commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission, said he will be attending the wake of Ramos in Manila.
On the other hand, Puentevella said it took almost six years after his term ended for his portrait to be finally displayed in the gallery of Bacolod mayors. He waited for this to happen and he is grateful to Benitez for installing it.
He was mayor of Bacolod from 2013 to 2016 and was congressman for nine years.
“I was given respect, justice and recognition. Even if l will no longer be around, at least my grandchildren will see my portrait,” Puentevella said, adding that he is also suggesting the provision of a space at the BCGC for a gallery for portraits of Bacolod congressmen.
Puentevella also claimed that he along with five of his former department heads have not been paid their terminal pay. Benitez is aware of the matter and that he believes they will be paid if the city has funds.*
