Treñas vows to find legal means to help Chin
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he will find legal ways to address the stalled confirmation of Engr. Mike Chin as head of the City Engineers Office. He said he will check the options left for the former barangay captain.
Treñas said he was surprised with the outcome of the voting at the Sangguniang Panlungsod last week over Chin’s supposed appointment. He said he knew the recommendee for so long and is also capable of holding the position.
He added Chin is the second person he recommended to assume the post as CEO head after Engr. Marito Amatorio retired from the government service. His first recommendee was Engr. Llane Opinion.
Like Chin, Opinion’s appointment was not confirmed by the members of the legislative body. Opinion remained as assistant department CEO head until now.
Chin’s confirmation was halted after Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog abstained during the votation. Had the vice mayor made his vote the issue was resolved.
The seven councilors who voted for the Chin’s confirmation were Councilors Antonio Pesina, Jeffrey Ganzon, Erwin Plagata, Irene Ong, Ely Estante, Armand Parcon and Eldrid Antiquiera. All are believed to be supporters of Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez Sr. and incumbent Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr.
Those who voted against the confirmation were Councilors Lyndon Acap, Perla Zulueta, Lex Tupas, Julienne Baronda, John Melchor Mabilog, Jose Espinosa III and Majority Floor Leader Eduardo Peñaredondo. They are allies of Mayor Treñas.
Chin assumes as OIC City Engineer pending the confirmation of his appointment at the city council. Prior to last Wednesday session, the council asked Chin to present proofs as a practicing engineer before his appointment is confirmed by the legislative body.
Chin, a former barangay captain of Barangay Avancena, Molo, resigned from his post in favor of a permanent position at the city government. The appointment as city engineer needs the confirmation of the legislative body.
Chin was a known ally of the Gonzalezes but was also present when Treñas made his pronouncement to run as congressman next year. Chin himself admitted he is an appointee of the mayor.
