Disapproved consultants to remain with City Hall

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama intends to retain the services of two of his consultants despite the City Council’s refusal to renew their contracts.

Lawyer Jade Ponce will continue to function as chairman of the Solid Waste Management Board while Ester Cubero will remain with the Local School Board.

Rama said he will hire Cubero as an executive assistant under the Office of the Mayor to make sure that she will get compensated for her services.

“I am now having the papers for her (Cubero’s) employment with the Office of the Mayor processed. She will now be my executive assistant (and will) still (be) assigned with the Local School Board,” he said.

Ponce meanwhile, will work at City Hall for free.

“Jade Ponce does not need money from his consultancy. But I want him to continue on his private capacity as chairman of the Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) on behalf of the mayor,” said Rama.

The City Council on Wednesday approved the renewal of the consultancy contracts of 45 individuals – 23 for the Office of the Mayor and 22 for the City Council.

Ponce and Cubero were dropped from the approved list of consultants who will serve from January to June.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said he personally opposed the renewal of Cubero and Ponce’s contracts because of their alleged “mortal sins” which they have committed against him and the City Council.

Ponce said that the councilors were only picking on him because he doesn’t mince words when he speaks his mind. /Chief Of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac