Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — What used to be the turf of suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. is now occupied by Acting Mayor Romulo Peña.
This is the first time that Peña will hold office in the new building as he stayed in the old Makati City Hall when Binay was still in office. But he refused to settle down on the 21st floor where the mayor’s office is officially located.
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“Gusto ko pagpasok ng mga tao, makikita agad nila ang kanilang acting mayor na andun, nagtatrabaho, abot-kamay lang,” he said.
[Translation: “When people enter (the City Hall), I want them to see their acting mayor working and that he is approachable.”]
Related: Vice Mayor Peña sworn in as acting mayor of Makati
Peña also signed his first memorandum as acting mayor — to direct First District Councilor Virgilio Hilario Sr. to assume the post of acting vice mayor.
But he added that it is up to Hilario to decide if he will accept the position or not. The first district councilor had the most number of votes last elections.
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A meeting with heads of the Makati police followed, where he requested for additional police visibility in malls every weekend.
Unable to personally speak with all employees of the city hall, Peña spoke through the public address system instead, which was heard on all floors of the city hall.
“Ang kagustuhan ko po ay makagawa ng mga bagay na lalo pa magpapaindayog ng ating serbisyo dito,” he said.
“Ang aking pakay ay maipagpatuloy o mas mapaganda ang lahat ng serbisyo natin.”
[Translation: “I want to be able to better our service. My goal is to continue or improve all the services we offer.”]
While his first day of office seemed to be smooth flowing, Peña admitted that he still can’t get the support of everyone as acting mayor. At the 21st floor, some staff of suspended Mayor Junjun Binay did not report for work.
Related: Makati Mayor Binay temporarily leaves city hall
Despite this, it was business as usual at the city hall.
Peña said those who weren’t able to process their transactions on Wednesday (July 1) will be given consideration.
“Titingnan natin mabuti yun, syempre magkakaroon ng consideration. Ang dapat niyong tandaan sa akin as acting mayor of Makati, there will be a lot of considerations.”
[Translation: “We will look into it carefully, of course we’ll extend extra consideration. What you have to remember about me as acting mayor of Makati, there will be a lot of considerations.”]
