By Paulo Loreto Lim

Since assuming the position of Iloilo City mayor three months ago, following an extended period of time spent abroad by his predecessor, dismissed Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Mayor Jose Espinosa III recently looked back at some of his accomplishments within that period of time, which included seeing President Rodrigo Duterte.

“For me, the most unforgettable accomplishment was when I was able to see President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for 45 minutes, last November 23,” he stated.

The mayor also made mention of the creation of the Iloilo City Barangay Drug-Clearing Program Assistance (ICBDCPA), which he said attributed to Barangays Luna and Libertad-Santa Isabel in the Jaro district and Barangay Sampaguita in City Proper being declared “drug-cleared” last month.

He also cited recognition received, including the distinction as ‘Best Performing City’ during the 2017 Excellence in Local Governance (Excell) Awards, a recognition designated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VI (DILG-6); along with being named Clean Air Champion by the Clean Air Philippines Movement, Inc. (CAPMI).

Espinosa assumed full mayoral powers back in October 2017, citing Section 46 of RA 7160, or the Local Government Code of the Philippines, which outlines the policies regarding the temporary vacancy of office for local chief executives.

At the time, after stating Mabilog would return to Iloilo City at the end of September, following a sick leave that was initiated on September 11, which immediately followed two consecutive trips overseas, spokesperson for the mayor, Atty. Mark Piad, said the city official’s sick leave would be extended for another 30 days.

Mabilog has yet to return to the country and has since been issued two dismissal orders by the Office of the Ombudsman. He is said to be in Canada with his wife, who is a Canadian citizen./PLL, WDJ