Peña: ‘I only stopped abuse of power’

Acting Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña. INQUIRER.net

Acting Makati City Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña laid out on Monday his plans for the city 12 days after suspended-mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay stepped down from his post.

Marking the first time that he led the City Hall’s flag-raising ceremonies, Peña vowed on Monday that he would give more benefits and improved services to Makati’s residents.

“Wala po akong pinatigil na serbisyo. Ang ipapatigil ko lang ay ang pag aabuso sa katungkulan (I did not suspend any services for the people of Makati. What I stopped is the abuse of power),” Peña said.

The acting mayor recently suspended Makati’s agreements with 670 of its sister cities and started his search for “ghost” employees in the city government.

Peña, who is the only member of the Liberal Party in a council dominated by Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said that he would double the pension of senior citizens, give tokens and P10,000 to the city’s fastest fire responders and provide insurance for city hall employees.

He said that he would not only continue the distribution of free cakes for senior citizens but also ensure that they would be cheaper, better and sourced from known suppliers.

Meanwhile, Peña also announced that city councilor Leo Magpantay would be acting vice mayor.

Magpantay, who is allied with UNA, is among the city officials who are facing plunder complaints before the Ombudsman for the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and the new Makati City Science High School building. With a report from Maricar Brizuela, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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