New councilors vow support for priorities: VM
Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the new members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod have committed to “public service and the good of the city regardless of their political colors” as the City Council embarks on a legislature under the administration of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
“They are set to give priority cooperation to the development projects and programs of Mabilog and (Rep. Jerry) Treñas,” Espinosa said in a report of the Philippine News Agency.
The seven new councilors are Rodel Fullon Agado, RLeone Geroche, Jason Gonzales, Dave Jamora, Plaridel Nava, Edward Yee, and returning Joshua Alim.
Espinosa said the SP’s priority legislative agenda will focus on three important issues and concerns, including power, water, and tax incentives.
The city’s lack of power supply will hopefully be addressed by the end of the year with the operation of the 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Panay Energy Development Corp. in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz district.
On water services, Mabilog has given the Metro Iloilo Water District management and board one year to resolve their internal conflict and deliver enough water supply to the city’s concessionaires.
If after the year nothing is resolved, Mabilog said he would lead the discussion of privatizing the water district or endorsing it to a public-private partnership.
Espinosa, for his part, said he will spearhead the deliberations on tax incentives aimed at lowering down investment exemptions from P50 million capital to only P15 million to P20 million.
“Many Ilonggos have so much money sleeping in the banks. By giving them incentives, these monies could be used to build more buildings and businesses to spur local economic activities,” he said.
COMMITTEES
Alim has been chosen the council floorleader while Nielex Tupas, deputy floorleader.
Alim is also the chairman of committees on rules; police matters; and urban poor while Tupas chairs the committees on trade and commerce; tourism; and IT and computerization.
Councilor Perla Zulueta heads the committees on appropriation; and ways and means while Councilor Jason Gonzales, the committees on good government; and domestic and international relations.
Councilor RLeone Geroche chairs the committees on engineering and public works; and transportation while Councilor Plaridel Nava, the committees on education, women and children; and labor.
Councilor Lyndon Acap heads the committees on health; cooperatives; and games and professional sports while Councilor Rodel Fullon Agado, the committees on markets and slaughterhouse; and social services.
Councilor Edward Yee chairs the committees on urban planning; and agriculture and fisheries while Councilor David Jamora, the committees on public services, environment and ecology; and communications and public information.
Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon is chairman of the committee on veterans, retirees and disabled.
