THE Manila City Council (MCC) turned 122 years old recently, and during the same occasion, various awards and recognition were given by MCC Presiding Officer and Vice Mayor Yul Servo-Nieto to former and current city councilors for their outstanding performance, dedication, and colorful careers that sprung from their being former members of the MCC.
Leading the awardees, and notably the one who received the loudest applause, was Manila City Administrator Bernie “Yantao” Ang, who received the distinction for having served as Manila Third District Councilor the longest, totaling eight terms, or an equivalent of 25 years in all.
The reaction of those present was not surprising at all. City Administrator Ang is known for his many achievements, among them, for having authored the Local Tax Code of Manila and the city ordinance that created the then City College of Manila, now known as Universidad de Manila.
He had also held the position of Secretary to the Vice Mayor before becoming Secretary to the Mayor during the administration of erstwhile Mayor Isko Moreno, and is now the City Administrator under the rein of Mayor Honey Lacuna.
In whatever capacity he serves the city, he has always been the ‘go-to’ person of the mayor and all department heads when they need informed opinions on important matters or remedies for situations that need deep analysis and careful thinking. He never runs out of ideas and generosity.
Even lawyers and those beset with personal problems consult him, and he always comes up with the best solution. Too, he has a big heart for the downtrodden and poor and is turned off by people who use their power to oppress others and those who have no debt of gratitude.
His work habits and dedication are also worthy of emulation. He is a senior citizen with a physical handicap but he discharges his functions beyond working hours.
Former Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna, and Mayor Honey’s father, also received the “Dangal ng Konseho Award” for his decades of selfless service as a former member and Presiding Officer of the council.
His compassionate leadership was cited for steering the city council to greater heights as it produced measures that benefited many Manilenos.
Lacuna’s children, Councilors Dr. Lei Lacuna and Architect Dennis, received the award on behalf of their father.
Unknown to some, it was through the efforts of both Vice Danny and City Ad Bernie that the sitting Councilors are enjoying the status they have today.
They are the pillars and brains behind the “Asenso Manileno” party until it was catapulted to its present status as the dominant party in the local political scene.
These days, an aspiring Councilor is only assured of a seat in the MCC if he joins the said local party. Ditto with the case of those seeking Congressional seats, all the way up to the posts of Vice Mayor and Mayor.
Speaking of which, it was under the expert and strategic guidance of both men that the Asenso Manileno party was steered to become a force to reckon with.
In the 2022 elections, the party made a clean sweep — from the mayor, vice mayor, and congressmen down to the 36 councilors.
Clearly, both Vice Danny and City Ad Bernie laid the foundation that made the party unbeatable. It is not surprising that the present crop of politicians in Manila look up to them.
It may also be worth mentioning that they were highly instrumental in the unique success of Asenso Manileno in producing two mayors from its own stable, Mayor Honey and her predecessor, former Mayor Isko.
At least in the near future, this accomplishment is an impossible act to follow among all other local parties in Manila.
As the saying goes, “you can take that to the bank!”
***
I would also like to extend my congratulations to the other awardees cited for their performance during the first year of the 12th City Council including the following: MCC Majority Floorleader Atty. Ernesto “Jong” Isip, Jr. for having filed the most number of draft ordinances and draft resolutions as well as principally authoring the most number of resolutions and ordinances approved; Councilor Salvador Philip Lacuna for having principally authored the most number of ordinances approved; Councilor Irma Alfonso-Juson for having filed the most number of draft ordinances; Councilor Numero Lim, for having filed the most number of draft resolutions filed and resolutions approved and principally authoring the most number of ordinances; Councilor Pamela “Fa” Fugoso-Pascual for having principally authored the most number of ordinances approved and having the best record in attendance and Councilors Martin Isidro, Jr. and Nino dela Cruz, for best record in attendance.
Congressmen Ernesto Dionisio, Jr., Rolando Valeriano, Joel R. Chua, Edward V.P. Maceda, Irwin Tieng and Bienvenido Abante, Jr., each received an award as “Distinguished Legislator of Manila” for serving the MCC with utmost distinction when they were Councilors, leading to their election to the House of Representatives where they continue to bring pride and honor to the city.
Justice Jhosep Lopez received the “Timbulan ng Laya Award” for excelling in the field of law and justice when he was a city councilor, leading to his appointment to his present position in the Supreme Court.
Among those awarded the “Perlas ng Konseho” for their many years of selfless and devoted service as MCC members were former Councilors Re Fugoso, Robert Ortega, Jr. and Marlon Lacson, who all served for 18 years. Fugoso currently heads the Manila social welfare department while Lacson is presently secretary to the mayor.
Deputy city administrator Jocelyn Dawis-Asuncion and Manuel “Let Let” Zarcal were also given the same award for having served the MCC for 21 years.
They all deserved the awards.
***
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.
