By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella filed an application with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) several months ago, City Legal Office (CLO) head Joselito Bayatan recently announced the former lone district congressman had retired from service.

However, in response, Puentevella questioned the assertion made by the city official.

“Who is he to tell anybody that I will retire?” he questioned during a press conference at his residence yesterday. “I am not retiring, I am just claiming my benefits.”

The former mayor also pointed out, there is no law barring retirees from seeking office.

According to Bayatan, his comments were “based on fact,” claiming it was indicated on documents received by his office.

The CLO chief said Puentevella’s application indicated pension payments were requested as part of his retirement benefits. He noted, Option 1 was selected, which entitles the beneficiary to a lump sum payment./DGB, WDJ