By
Lilian Mellejor
January
5, 2018.
DAVAO
CITY – A city councilor and political party-mate of resigned Vice Mayor Paolo
Duterte finds it unfortunate to lose a good leader in the city council but, he
is optimistic the councilors would stay united for the people of Davao City.
This
developed after President Rodrigo Duterte finally accepted the resignation of
his son, Vice Mayor Paolo. This was confirmed Friday afternoon by Presidential
Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque, who said in a text message: “President
Rodrigo Duterte has already accepted this afternoon the resignation of Davao
City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.”
A
letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea addressed to the vice
mayor stated: "We refer to your letter tendering your resignation as Vice
Mayor of Davao City. On behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, this is to
inform you that your resignation is hereby accepted , effective
immediately."
The
letter dated January 5 did not state any reason for the acceptance of the
resignation.
Although
he has yet to verify if the report is true, Councilor Conde Baluran finds it
unfortunate considering the good legacy of the vice mayor.
Baluran
also cited a number of programs initiated by the vice mayor to improve the work
of the city council. He said Vice Mayor Paolo had instilled discipline in the
city council, such as to always report on time during the council sessions.
The
vice mayor was known to adjourn sessions after majority of the councilors were
out of the session hall after a rolll call. City council sessions are held
every Tuesday starting 9 a.m.
The
vice mayor announced his resignation on December 25 during a special session
called to tackle financial assistance for the relief of the flood victims.
The
resignation letter was sent through LBC courier service on December 27. In an
earlier interview, President Duterte said the resignation of his son was his
own decision, admitting the vice mayor talked the matter with him.
The
President recalled telling the vice mayor “Ikaw? You are in a position to do what
is right. Kung ano lang ang tama sa iyo, gawin mo (Do what is right for you).”
“I
never suggested any resignation,” he told reporters in an interview on the
night he met with the families of the victims of the fire that hit NCCC mall at
the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Duterte
said the vice mayor could have been fed up with the issues on his squabble with
daughter Isabelle and her pre-debut photo shoot in Malacanang.
The
President said the vice mayor could still be hurting over the insinuations he
was involved in the smuggling scandal in the Bureau of Customs.
He
stressed that Vice Mayor Paolo considered the issue linking his name to the
scam as most unfair.
On
the other hand, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said she is with her brother to
support him.
"There
are things beyond my control. It is not my life. I can only be here for my
brother to support him," the mayor earlier told reporters.
The
mayor said she understands the vice mayor in emphasizing delicadeza and honor.
