Gomez makes ‘last request’ to successor Zamora

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan Mayor-elect Francis Zamora won on a promise to carry out expansive changes in the city long controlled by the Ejercito-Estradas, but this didn’t stop outgoing Mayor Guia Gomez from making a last request — to continue the implementation of her plans for a new high school.

Gomez said in an interview on Monday that a lot in Barangay Batis had already been expropriated for the Emilio Jacinto National High School. Construction, however, has yet to begin.

The San Juan National High School in Barangay Corazon de Jesus houses 3,700 students in a facility meant for 1,500, forcing classes to be conducted in shifts, she explained.

Gomez expressed hope that Zamora would continue her other infrastructure programs, including the construction of medium-rise housing units for informal settlers.

Two lots in Barangays Batis and Sta. Lucia, each measuring over 1,000 square meters, had also been expropriated for this purpose.

Other infrastructure projects Zamora will inherit are a new Hall of Justice, which is nearing completion, and the renovation of the San Juan Medical Center.

The two mayors have a complicated history, having been both allies and rivals at different points.