Mayors, governors told: Be transparent

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo yesterday encouraged local government units and agencies in Central Visayas to be transparent with their expenses and operations to earn the public’s trust.

“Disclosure will make us more accountable, and hopefully give us the votes by the end of the day,” Robredo said in a speech to regional directors of government agencies in Central Visayas and at least 105 governors and mayors from the region.

Robredo was the keynote speaker in yesterday’s “Tapatan on Full Disclosure Policy” in Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City.

Full disclosure would “revolutionize” government transactions and lessen chances of graft and corruption, he said.

The leaders signed a covenant of commitment to the full disclosure policy that encourages them, among other things, to set up their own website for the sake of transparency.

The DILG also signed a memorandum of agreement with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) represented by its president Ramon Aboitiz and the Province of Cebu for the GREENIN’ Philippines and Billion Trees program.

Meanwhile, Robredo said he is continually pressing the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve the election protest filed by Ritchie Wagas against Compostela Mayor-elect Joel Quiño and the town’s councilors-elect.

He said the Comelec remains divided on the issue.

“It can’t be resolved because it lacks a vote.”

Robredo said the case hampered operations of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7) when Regional Director Pedro Noval sat as acting mayor of Compostela

Asked when he thinks the Comelec with resolve the issue, Robredo said “probably no later than the end of June.”

Robredo said some Comelec commissioners did not take part in deciding on the case and “they decided that they will do the en banc again.”

He said if Comelec further delays the issuance of a decision, town workers and constituents would be affected.

Robredo said Quiño would not face sanctions for trying to “take over” the municipality.

“In fairness to the guy, he didn’t try to ransack (the municipal hall). He just stressed their disappointment with Comelec.”

Quiño won over former Compostela mayor Ritchie Wagas in the May 10 elections last year.

Wagas contested the results and requested the Comelec to annul the proclamation of Quiño and his council, citing discrepancies in election returns.

The Comelec suspended the effect of the proclamation of the town’s elective officials pending resolution of Wagas’ protest. Quiño filed a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc.