City dad denies nepotism claims
Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover yesterday denied the allegation of City Councilor Margarita "Margot" Osmeña that he was guilty of nepotism because his son was employed at the Office of the Mayor during the time of former mayor Michael Rama.
Nepotism is one of four complaints Alcover filed recently against Mayor Tomas Osmeña before the Office of the Ombudsman over the appointment of Margot, the city mayor's wife, for budget and finance, including social services.
"Akong klarohon nga ang iyang appointment (unlike Margot) is not deputy mayor. Wala siya gi-appoint as deputy mayor. Giappoint siya as administrative assistant sa city sa mayor's office," Alcover said of Pastor Alcover II, who was reportedly the barangay captain of Agsungot when Rama named him as his representative in the operationalization of the "City Hall sa Bukid".
"Ikaduha, dili na siya elected na kay napildi man siya. After one year diha pa siya gi-appoint. Nidagan pa'g one year usa siya gi-appoint as administrative assistant, dili deputy mayor," he told reporters yesterday.
A certification also showed that Pastor Arnoco Alcover II, started working at the City Hall on July 17, 2014, or over a year after the 2013 elections.
Alcover said that there is no written directive of Rama appointing his son as deputy mayor.
Charges against the mayor included unlawful acts that ranged from his grant of cash rewards to policemen for slain criminals, opting to hold a flag raising ceremony, and unlawful appointment of his councilors, who were given executive functions.
To recall Councilor Mary Ann De los Santos was assigned to look into health matters such as the Cebu City Medical Center, Guba Community Hospital, and the City Health Department; then councilor Alvin Arcilla, who was assigned to oversee markets, agriculture, infrastructure and engineering; and Councilor Augustos Joy Young, would oversee matters on education, especially the scholarship program of the city; Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, games, sports, youth, prioritization of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds of the city, urban poor, and housing; and Councilor Sisinio Andales, police matters, peace and order, and labor.