Iligan city administrator quits irrevocably

By Frank E. Dosdos, Jr.
Correspondent .

ILIGAN City — After what many called as an uneasy stint as city administrator, lawyer Leo Zaragoza finally called it quits the other day.

In his letter to Mayor Celso G. Regencia, dated July 2, Zaragoza stated, “my views and judgment of what is best to the city differ with some of your closest advisers in your office that may affect the delivery of basic services of the city and in order for your advisers to have a free hand to help and guide your office to administer the affairs of the city, I have to tender my irrevocable resignation effective immediately.”

To recall Zaragoza assumed as city adminsitrator on Dec. 28, 2018. He said he is thankful for his six months serving as such. He added he had hoped that he would then act as “conductor” to “form good sonata” but such was not possible, hinting in the process of corruption by some people there who are close to the mayor.

He then emphasized that he did not apply for the job but who was he to refuse an offer from the highest official of the city.

He immediately instituted changes that improved the delivery of basic services to the people, he said, as he opened the procurement process to members of the press by inviting them to observe the meetings of the bids and awards committee.

In one of those meetings where he presided as chairman, he pointed out instances where the goods had already been delivered but the Purchase Request are still being deliberated upon by the Committee.

Zaragoza thanked the Mayor for giving him the opportunity to serve the latter’s administration adding that he will remain a friend, adviser and legal counsel if his services are needed as he just a text or call away.

He said there are people there in city hall which would still make things right there. He added he will still continue supporting mayor Celso Regencia as a private citizen. (With reports from Nora Soriño, Sita Asequia, and Goni Loable)