By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Newly-elected and reelected officials of local political coalition Grupo Progreso (GP) held their oath-taking yesterday afternoon at the GT Hotel in Bacolod City.
Executive Judge Estefanio Libutan, Jr. administered the oath of office for Sangguniang Panlungsod members Cindy Rojas; Renecito Novero; Simple Distrito; Archie Baribar; Israel Salanga; Dindo Ramos; Bartolome Orola; Elmer Sy; and Ana Marie Palermo, who ran in 2016 as a member of opposition coalition Magbinuligay Kita para sa Kauswagan.
Meanwhile, other elected GP officials Carl Lopez and Al Espino were not present as they were attending to other matters.
Libutan also administered the oath of office for Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was accompanied by his wife Elsa; Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who was accompanied by wife Portia; and lone district Congressman Greg Gasataya.
The GP coalition won all but one seat of the city council after incumbent City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr., a member of the opposing Asenso for Better Bacolod-Magbinuligay Kita sa Kauswagan coalition, beat out GP bet Marlon Solidum for the last spot.
The winning candidates are set to take office on June 30./DGB, WDJ
