ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA – “A Man of Service or A Man of Absenteeism?”
Thus asked re-electionist Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, referring to former City Councilor Amos Rivera, who is now aspiring for the vice mayoralty.
“How can you refer to yourself as ‘a man of service’ if you cannot perform the most basic of your duties – that is, showing up for work?” Vega-Cabigting added.
Official records of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city show that during his term as City Councilor, Rivera was the top absentee among his peers.
From July 2019 to October 2021, Rivera incurred 25 absences out of 103 Regular and Special Sessions – the most out of all incumbent City Councilors at the time.
“Sabi po ni Mr. Amos Rivera, may resibo ang kanyang serbisyo. May resibo din po ang hindi niya pagpasok sa trabaho,” Vega-Cabigting said.
Rivera only attended 78 of Regular and Special Sessions (76%) for a period of two years and three months, as shown in the record of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members’ attendance certified by the City Secretary.
Ranking first in attendance are Councilors Danilo Lacson and former SK Federation President Arnoah Mandani, who both incurred no absences for the entire period covered.
Councilor Arvin Suller is a close second, incurring only one absence.
Regular Sessions are held once per week at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall while Special Sessions are held as needed.