Achas named new minority floor leader

IN a significant development within Cagayan de Oro City’s legislative body, Councilor Christian Rustico Ian Achas has been elected as the new minority floor leader.

The decision came yesterday (January 22) following the proposal of ordinance 2024-596 by Councilor Jose ‘Pepe’ Abbu Jr, which confirmed Achas’ election and received approval from the legislative body.

The majority of the minority expressed a loss of trust and confidence in their previous leader, Councilor James Judith, leading to this pivotal decision.

Last week, Judith and Councilor Malvern ‘Bernie’ Esparcia were officially declared out from the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) by Vice Mayor Joycelyn ‘Bebot’ Rodriguez.

Abbu, representing the minority, stated in his privilege motion that Judith no longer represents their interests, necessitating his constraint. Abbu emphasized that the loss of trust and confidence in Judith was a valid reason, with minority members questioned his leadership.

“We already lost our trust and confidence, and that’s a valid reason,” said Abbu.

Most of the minority, through a voting process, elected Achas as the new minority floor leader, solidifying the decision with the city council’s approval.

Accepting the appointment, Achas stressed the need for a friendly leader who will advocate for the minority. He criticized Judith’s recent ineffectiveness, highlighting a lack of communication and meetings. Achas, chosen by his colleagues for his extensive service, pledged to lead the minority progressively.

“A progressive type of minority, not just standing there correcting its peers; we won’t do that. We’ll not create scenarios just to challenge our opposition. Dili ‘ta ingon ana,” Achas told his peers.

For his part, Judith accepted and respected the decision of his colleagues, attributing it to the organic effect of his recent actions.

He acknowledged the transition initiated last week when he, along with Esparcia, detached from CDP and opted for minority status, expressing anticipation for his return to the groove in the next session.

Despite Judith’s subdued presence in the previous session, the question remains unanswered as to whether both Judith and Esparcia now belong to the minority or the majority.

The political landscape within the legislative body is undergoing a significant shift with these developments, especially with the upcoming midterm elections next year.