SP requires Chin to show proofs that he is practicing engineer
The Sangguniang Panlungsod required Engr. Mike Chin Jr. to show proofs of being a practicing engineer before his appointment as City Engineer’s Office (CEO) head is confirmed by the legislative body.
Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog said they have compelled Chin to give supporting documents that he is a practicing civil engineer before the council approves his appointment. He only showed copies of his diploma, PRC licensure and his rating in the licensure exam in last week’s session.
Chin’s confirmation was stalled last week after he failed to give supporting documents deemed by Mabilog and other councilors necessary before his confirmation. A pre-session was called before Chin’s confirmation was discussed in the floor. Thus, the body decided to defer any action on the supposed confirmation. It is expected his confirmation will again be deliberated in today’s regular session of the city council.
On his part, Chin said he was not required of the certification before he was set for confirmation last week. In an interview over RMN, Chin denied politics played a major part on the plan to install him as CEO being a close-ally of ABC Molo president Reyland Hervias. Hervias himself is a strong supporter of Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez Sr.
Chin, a former barangay captain of Avancena, Molo said he was an appointee of Mayor Jerry Treñas and not of Gonzalez. It was Councilor Jose Espinosa III who made a move at the city council for Chin’s confirmation. Earlier, Treñas wants Engr. Llane Opinion to assume as CEO head after Engr. Marito Amatorio retired.
Mabilog said the Local Government Code of 1991 requires that “he must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five years” in case of city engineer. Chin’s experience is not clear based on his personal data sheet. It is not sufficient.
In his personal data sheet, Chin said that he was involved in a construction of a dam, a cadet engineer at the District Engineering Office and a consultant to the projects initiated by former Cong. Rafael Lopez-Vito, said Mabilog.
It is not clear on whether he was the one who designed the dam and what are his responsibilities over the making of the project, said Mabilog.
He added that a position of a cadet engineer at the District Engineers Office is only a casual employee. A casual employee is not given much responsibility. In his involvement on the Lopez-Vito funded projects, Mabilog said Chin might be only assigned in the construction of waiting sheds and foot walks.
Mabilog said the position as city engineer is a “sensitive and vital position” that will contribute to further development of the city. He must have the experience to become the city engineer. It is not a matter of who you know, he said.
A city engineer shall also act as the local building official based on the provisions of the Local Government Code.
Being the city engineer is not only a matter of construction of buildings but working on the city’s infrastructure and development plan and budget allocation in proposed projects. He will also give advice the mayor on infrastructure, public works and other engineering matters, said Mabilog.
The vice mayor likewise reiterated the functions of a city engineer. He must initiate, review and recommend changes in the policies and objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure development and public works in general of the local government unit concerned.
