The League of Municipal Mayors of Benguet has passed a resolution opposing a special election for the vacated seat for the lone district in the province.
In its special meeting on March 5, the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Benguet composed of 13 mayors signed Resolution 05-2020 expressing support to Rep. Eric Go Yap of the Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) party-list, who was appointed legislative caretaker of the province.
The league led by its president, Mayor Victorino Palangdan of Itogon, said it is for the best interest of the people of Benguet that Yap remains as legislative caretaker until the assumption of a regular legislator during the 2022 elections.
“Within a month or two of his appointment, Congressman Yap has displayed passion to serve the people of Benguet. The League of Mayors of Benguet manifests its appreciation and strong support to the caretaker congressman of the lone district of Benguet,” read the resolution.
“The league also expresses its strong opposition to the call of some quarters for the holding of a special election.”
The league recalled that its members have manifested their greetings and congratulations to Yap during his first official visit to the province.
Yap has accepted the challenge to represent Benguet in the Lower House and vowed that his office will deliver better service to constituents of the province.
Earlier, Yap told reporters he is not clinging on to his position as a legislative caretaker and is willing to vacate the post should there be a directive from the House Speaker.
He added that what is important is that the people of Benguet are being represented at the Lower House so that the plans and programs of the late Rep. Nestor Fongwan, Sr. will be realized.
“This is the reason why we filed a bill for the re-nationalization of the Benguet General Hospital and increasing its bed capacity because quality health services are important to the people of Benguet. We have also lined up other plans and programs for the province and its people,” Yap said.
He said he is coordinating with various government agencies and the private sector for more services for the province.
He has already reached out to the Department of Agriculture for the allotment of additional budget for construction of more farm-to-market roads for the province.
Yap also requested the Department of Public Works and Highways to make sure the voices of the 13 mayors are heard when it comes to the infrastructure projects needed by their respective local government units.
Yap said he is humbled by the support of the Benguet chief executives.
“Tayo po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mga mayors sa kanilang suporta at tiwala sa ating kakayahan na makapagsilbi sa Benguet. Hangad natin ay ihatid ang nararapat at walang katulad na serbisyo publiko para sa ating mga kababayan sa Benguet,” Yap said of the league’s resolution.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet approved a resolution requesting the House of Representatives for the conduct of a special election to fill up the vacancy in the congressional district.
Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis said the resolution is within the context of their freedom of expression.
He said the resolution was passed before Yap’s appointment.
“We already told the good caretaker that we are leaving the matter to the House if they act on it or not,” Waguis said.
He also urged the mayors to support the bills Yap has filed involving Benguet, such as House Bill 6171 that sought to renationalize the Benguet General Hospital and the House Bill 5832 creating the Department of OFWs.
He also asked for the league’s support on the SP resolution calling for the creation of another legislative district for the province, and the resolution calling for reclassification of the province from level 2 to level 1. – Harley F. Palangchao and Ofelia C. Empian
April 25, 2024
