CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has come to the defense of City Administrator Albert Tan following Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s public criticism of the official during a barangay event over the weekend, where he labeled Tan as “banga” or incompetent.
“I stand by my City Administrator,” Archival said during a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday, emphasizing that Tan has been working and delivering results.
The mayor reiterated his trust and confidence in Tan, citing his contributions to the administration.
“Yes, of course…Ang ako lang, nagtrabaho si Albert. I realize nga naa siyay naproduce,” he said, though he did not elaborate on specific accomplishments.
Archival downplayed Osmeña’s remarks, saying differences in opinion are part of governance.
“Wala man…me, I don’t mind…wala man,” he said when asked if he felt slighted by the vice mayor’s statement.
Osmeña, who attended the State of the Barangay Address in Barangay Mabolo on Sunday, did not hold back in his criticism of Tan.
“Moprangka gyud ko, mao ni’y nakuwangan sa atong mayor, nga duna siyay administrador o administrator nga banga,” Osmeña said.
He added that delays in employees’ salaries were a major concern.
“Sakit, para kanako sakit kaayo na kay ang atong mga empleyado dili sila makadawat og sweldo right away. Unsa man na?” he said, pointing to salary delays as evidence of administrative shortcomings.
Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, who was also present at the event, weighed in on the issue, acknowledging Osmeña’s confrontational style while emphasizing the value of open debate.
“Nalipay ko ni Tommy…sa konseho, healthy kaayo ang demokrasya. Maglalis mi ni Tommy, pero pag-abot sa panahon moingon pud nga sakto si Alcover, akong suportahan. Ing-ana iyang style,” Alcover said.
However, Alcover also took a swipe at Archival, criticizing what he described as a tendency among some leaders to hold grudges.
“Dili parehas sa usa ka mayor nga madinumtanon. Honest ning akoa… modumot man gud. Sa tinuod nga demokrasya, normal raman ng pagsupak… pero ang importante, magsabot ta,” he added.
The councilor further linked the issue to the city’s handling of senior citizen aid, recalling that his collaboration with Mabolo Barangay Captain Daniel Arguedo stemmed from concerns over financial assistance for the elderly. This eventually led to the passage of an ordinance amending the distribution of aid.
Alcover also criticized the mayor for allegedly denying receipt of the measure.
“Napasar na ang ordinansa…apan namakak ang mayor nga wa pa siya kadawat sa maong ordinansa. Mao nay di nako ganahan…sorry kaayo,” he said, echoing frustrations over what he described as administrative lapses.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL
