Oca, allies witness as Pimentel assumes as Senate head
Nitz Arancon1 min read
By NITZ ARANCON
CorrespondentTHE city council rescheduled its session yesterday so its members could join Mayor Oscar Moreno in witnessing the second Cagayanon to become Senate president.
Moreno hailed the election of Sen. Aquilino Martin Pimentel III as Senate president at the opening of the 17th Congress, calling it a “great honor” for Cagayan de Oro.
Pimentel is a son of former Cagayan de Oro mayor and senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. who served as Senate president during the Estrada administration.
“Usa kini ka history sa atong nasud nga ang anak ug amahan nahimong Senate President,” said Moreno even as he noted that the Pimentels are from Cagayan de Oro.
The elder Pimentel and his wife Lourdes and other members of their family witnessed as Aquilino III took over as Senate president.
After the Senate session, the new Senate president met with Moreno and other city officials over lunch, said Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr.
With Moreno were Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy and councilors Lao, Zaldy Ocon, George Goking, Jay Pascual, Romeo Caliso, Rueben Daba, Ma. Lourdes Gaane, Enrico Salcedo, Ian Mark Nacaya, Annie Daba and Suzette Magtajas Daba.
“Simple lang anga mong paniudto. Dunay sinogba nga isda, pancit ug gulay, na-a usay puto, biko, ug mais nga binaki,” Lao said.
He said the local officials were invited to the Senate, prompting them to reschedule their session. He said the city council would meet on Wednesday.
In the absence of Moreno and Uy, acting city administrator Gionnie Gersana was tasked to be the city hall caretaker.