DINALUPIHAN, Bataan – Former Bataan 1st District Representative Herminia B. Roman, representing her daughter (Rep. Geraldine B. Roman), on Friday led the oath taking of 33 barangay officials from the town of Hermosa.
The short and simple ceremony was held at the sala of Judge Ma. Lourdes Eltanal-Ignacio of Bataan RTC Branch 5. The judge also officiated the formal rites.
The newly and reelected officials came from Barangay Culis, Cataning, Maite, San Pedro, A. Rivera, and Sto. Cristo. A total of 29 barangay kagawads (councilors) and 4 punong barangays (village chiefs) attended the event.
Roman said these officials were allegedly “not invited” by the Mayor of Hermosa, Hon. Antonio Joseph R. Inton, during last Tuesday’s oath taking rites in Balanga City with Bataan Governor Abet S. Garcia.
Majority of village officials from Hermosa’s 23 barangays attended Mayor Inton’s invitation.
Meanwhile, much to Herminia Roman’s surprise, some officials who attended the oath taking rites have already taken their oath during Mayor Inton’s ceremony last Tuesday.
“I have learned that some who attended today have already taken their oath last Tuesday especially those from Barangay Culis. And I want to emphasize and clarify that the service that the barangay kagawad or kapitan can render to their constituents does not depend to whom they have taken their oath of office.,” Roman told this reporter.
The statement of the former congresswoman only shows the kind of service they render to the people since the time of the late Congressman Antonino “Tony” Roman,Jr.
“There is equality in our service. Sa paglilingkod namin wala kaming sinisino. Lahat ay pantay pantay. Ke kalaban ka ke kakampi pagdating sa pagtulong sa mga taga First District lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan,” Roman added.