Cortes, Mandaue city councilors sworn in

FOREGOING a P1.5 million  budget for the event, elected officials of Mandaue City Hall took their oath of office in simple ceremonies held at the City Council session hall at past 10 a.m yesterday.

Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Teresita Galanida administered the oath to the councilors followed by  Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede and Mayor Jonas Cortes.

The councilors who were sworn in were Jefferson Ceniza, Jimmy Lumapas, Beethoven Andaya, Benjamin Basiga, Editha Flores-Cabahug, Demetrio Cortes, Elstone Dabon, Nenita Ceniza-Layese, Emmarie Ouano-Dizon and Diosdado Suico.

Cortes took his oath with his wife, Sarah, their daughter and some siblings at his side.

Prior to the oath taking, the Mandaue City officials attended a 10 am Mass in the National Shrine of St. Joseph.

Cortes and his allies earlier cancelled plans to hold the oath-taking ceremonies at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Instead they donated a portion of the P1.5 million budget for drainage projects, some social services and a small celebration with followers.

The mayor told  reporters  he would use it for  the construction of school buildings, improvement of roads and drainage in his last term. His administration aims to complete 110-115 classrooms.

Cortes won against lawyer Victor Biaño.

The mayor said they will also continue to demolish structures  along the Mahiga Creek.

The city government is also identifying properties for the relocation of the Opao police precinct and the Mantuyong barangay hall which are both located along the waterway. /Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos