ERMITA’S RUPINTA, 7 COUNCILORS BACK FROM SUSPENSION
Brgy. chief says among the first things he will do is fight illegal drugs, pay barangay workers their salaries
It wasn’t long ago when the facade of the Barangay Hall in Ermita, Cebu City was filled with posters of residents’ protest against the preventive suspension of their village chief Felicisimo Rupinta and seven councilors for their alleged failure to support a drug raid in the area last November.
Six months later, posters once again filled the building’s facade, only this time, the words were kinder as they welcomed back their officials who resumed office yesterday noon.
Among those who joined the welcome party was 58-year-old Lolita Baguio, who has been serving the barangay as a utility worker for the past decade.
“Nalipay gyod mi kay mahinlo na og balik among barangay sa ilegal nga drogas. Di man gud na tinuod ilang pasangil ni kap (We’re happy because our barangay will again be free of illegal drugs. Their allegations against Rupinta are not true),” she told SunStar Cebu.
An hour before officially resuming office, the officials and about a hundred residents gathered at the local barangay gym for a thanksgiving mass, which was followed by a boodle feast.
In a press conference, Rupin- ta told reporters that his top priorities include intensifying their efforts in the war against illegal drugs, pay the barangay’s utility bills, address garbage concerns, and ensure that the close to 200 personnel get their salaries.
“We’ve observed that the number of alleged drug personalities have grown in number during our absence. That’s why we’re focusing on addressing the problem at the barangay level. We’ll provide them with alternative livelihood,” he said.
Although they were serving their suspension, Rupinta said he and his councilors have been helping the barangay in their personal capacity.
Rupinta said he has not heard from lawyer Winifredo Orcullo, who served as caretaker during his absence, in the last six months.
SunStar Cebu tried to reach Orcullo, but got no response.
Rupinta said hat not even the augmentation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines 7 helped contain the illegal activities in Ermita.
Sought for comment, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said Rupinta is entitled to his opinion, and that he has no directives for the village chief.