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.
The mayor said the vice mayor announced his resignation during the special session on Christmas Day because it was his only chance to thank the councilors, the employees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the people of Davao City. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)
