Organization of former village chiefs opposed
ROXAS CITY –"Why organize?" That was the question raised by majority of the incumbent barangay chairmen opposing the creation of an organization composed of former barangay chairmen named as Association of Pag-ulikid of Former Barangay Captains (APFBC).
A three-page petition letter signed by Liga President Wilson Acervo and secretary Ildefonso Tobillo cited four reasons in opposing the said organization. These are:
- The organization was never communicated to Mayor Vicente Bermejo in deference of his capacity as the chief executive of Roxas City. He must at all times be informed of any development as it concerns his area of jurisdiction. The act of doing this without his knowledge is not suspect but administrative and political treachery.
- The move will create division in Roxas City, not to mention that it will in the process decimate the leadership of incumbent officials. The incumbent barangay officials are trying their best to unify the barangay that was recently been polarized due to the two previous elections. Their unification efforts are aggravated by the move.
- The reactivation of former Barangay Health Workers who were dropped from the list of certified members because of various causes will not only antagonize the existing organization but will also derail the implementation of the programs for health services.
- Above, all this will create confusion among the residents on who are the duly constituted leaders of their barangays.
According to the incumbent barangay officials, the organization of former barangay captains will also highlight a division among our political leaders as the former barangay officials are expected to challenge every decision and projects of the incumbent leaders. Through their organization, the former officials will also gain some political power.
The petition letter was also signed by 42 incumbent village chiefs out of 47 barangays of Roxas City.
The APFBC was organized at the provincial capitol and the members took their oath before 1st District Congressman Antonio del Rosario and Governor Victor Tanco, Sr.
On the other hand, Atty. Noede Villareal, provincial legal counsel, clarified that the former barangay officials were organized for unity for the good of Sen. Mar Roxas. He added that they will help the incumbent officials in their endeavors and development projects for their barangays.