Raul Sr. denies hand in SP affairs
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. denied accusations that he intervenes with the affairs of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
He even made a public invitation to Councilors Perla Zulueta and Lex Tupas to join the administration party.
Gonzalez made his statement last week during the inauguration of the new elected city officials at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. He said the minority group at the city council are welcome to join the Gonzalez-Treñas group.
The two councilors did not join the ten other councilors in the oath taking. The ceremony was attended by barangay leaders, friends and families of the newly elected officials.
Gonzalez said he is always accused of interfering with the business of the city. He, however said there is no minority group that leads the affairs and workings at the city council. He said, as a rule, majority rules.
He said he wants unity in Iloilo City and leaders should "go beyond their personal interests" and look up for the better good of the majority. "I don't want Iloilo City to split and there should be no demarcation line."
Gonzalez said had he wanted a split among the leaders in Iloilo City, he would have wanted to take control of only two districts -- the Jaro and Mandurriao districts.
Barangay officials of Jaro and Mandurriao are known solid supporters of the secretary.