INQUIRER Global Nation

CEBU CITY, Philippines - An empty ex-officio seat in the City Council will not affect the operations of the legislature, said Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna on the pending court case between the two factions of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC).

“But when it comes to the ABC as an organization, it will have an effect considering the absence of a head of an organization; a leaderless organization,” Fortuna said.

As the ABC’s national league voted for new leaders last Tuesday, Mandaue City did not have representation even if Opao barangay captain Joy Ouano was present during the election process in Manila.

Fortuna said the functions of the ABC ex-officio member left vacant at the city council can be assumed by the council’s regular members.

But the problem will be the ABC as an organization without elected officers.

Ouano said in an interview that she was with other league presidents during the elections in Manila as an incumbent national liga officer.

She was seated in a table along with chapter presidents from the provinces in Central Visayas including Bohol’s Conching Lim, Siquijor’s Isidro Baruy, and Negros Oriental’s Apolinario Arnaiz.

Ouano said that she was happy with the results of the elections because Rico Judge Echieverri won the presidency of the ABC.

“He was my bet and he is my friend,” said Ouano yesterday.

With the issues surrounding the Mandaue ABC, Ouano said that it was her decision not to pursue a national position.