INTERIOR and Local Governments Secretary Manuel Roxas was in Cebu yesterday to administer the oath of office to Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) allies who won in last month’s elections.
Roxas later said he was prepared to continue his collaboration with outgoing congressman Tomas Osmeña after he “has gotten a bit of rest” following the end of the one-year ban on the appointment of candidates to government posts.
“We continue to respect and admire congressman Osmeña. I will be happy to continue working with him in whatever capacity or in whatever endeavor he might have,” Roxas said.
Asked if a national position will be given to Osmeña, Roxas replied: “Well see. That is still a year away.”
Rep. Osmeña joined BO-PK allies at the San Pedro Calungsod chapel at the South Road Properties for a Mass officiated by Msgr. Vicente “Juni” Tupas, the chapel rector at 11 a.m.
After the Mass, they went to a basement function room for the oath taking.
Those who took their oaths were Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa (south district), Rep. Raul del Mar (north district) and Councilors Nestor Archival, Alvin Arcilla, Sisinio Andales, Margot Osmeña, Nida Cabrera, Leah Japson, Alvin Dizon, Richie Osmeña, Noel Wenceslao, Rodrigo Cabarrubias, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., and Gerardo Carillo.
Roxas also administered the oath of new Cogon Pardo barangay captain Harry Iran who replaced City Councilor Gabuya. Rep. Osmeña thanked BO-PK supporters for their help in the elections.
“I thank all of you for all the sacrifices you have made. Your sacrifices are continuing because many were terminated at City Hall. What is more important is not what happens to us but what happens to the city,” he said.
Roxas urged BO-PK winners to fulfill their their mandate and election promises to city voters who are their true “bosses.”
The City Council will convene for their inaugural session on Monday morning.
Councilor Margot Osmeña confirmed that she will be the council’s majority floor leader while Archival is speaker pro tempore. Councilor elect Mary Ann delos Santos will be minority floor leader.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo said he will head the social services committee. Other committee chairmanships will be known on Monday yet.
Of Four Team Rama allies in the city council, CDN learned only Councilor-elect James Cuenco may head a committee, the tourism committee.
At the Capitol, a 10 a.m Mass will be celebrated at the Capitol social hall before Hilario Davide IIII is sworn in and delivers his inaugural speech.
No national officials are expected to attend today’s event. Magpale said the oath-taking ceremony today is “ceremonial” because Davide already took his oath before President Benigno Aquino III in Manila two weeks ago. with Ador Vincent Mayol and Correspondent Edison A. delos Angeles