Outgoing Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya is getting ready for a smooth transition as he takes over as mayor on June 30, succeeding Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who was also elected as this highly urbanized city’s next congressman.

“It will definitely be a smooth transition. We have the same vision. We came from the same political aggrupation. We have a good working relationship for the past three years. It’s a different position, but the good working relationship will continue,” Gasataya said in an interview on the sidelines of the city’s 87th Charter Anniversary program at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday night, June 18.

Gasataya previously served as councilor and vice mayor and was also acting mayor for three months before he was elected congressman for three terms.

He said he has formed a transition team headed by lawyer Mark Mayor Mayo in compliance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive to ensure and facilitate a seamless transition to the new administration.

The outgoing administration will turn over the local government unit’s records and assets to Gasataya’s transition team on Friday, June 20.

Benitez earlier said that his administration’s local governance transition team, which he chairs, would ensure a smooth, transparent, and well-coordinated transition of power and responsibilities.

The vice chair has been selected by a simple majority from among the members, comprising all department heads, a DILG representative, the City Council secretary, and at least one representative of an accredited civil society organization or people’s organization.

Joining Gasataya in the new administration is Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, who was elected vice mayor.

The city council will be composed of Singcang-Airport village chief and former councilor Caesar Distrito, reelectionists Israel Salanga, Em Ang, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Jason Villarosa, and Celia Matea Flor, former councilors Dindo Ramos, Roberto Rojas and Wilson Gamboa Jr., reelectionist Psyche Marie Sy, former councilor Homer Bais, and reelectionist Al Victor Espino.

Except for Gamboa, all the councilors belong to Team Asenso, along with Benitez, Gasataya, and Puentevella.

The new set of elected city officials will be sworn in during the mass oath-taking and inauguration at the Bacolod City Government Center on June 28. (PNA)