CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The chairmanship of the City Council’s Committee on Games and Amusement will remain vacant for at least a week after City Councilor Roger Abaday formally resigned from the post during Monday’s regular session on May 11.
In a special report before the council, Abaday said he decided to step down from the committee he had chaired throughout his three consecutive terms in office.
He said the move was rooted in “shared leadership,” giving newly elected councilors the chance to gain experience handling major committees.
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“Gusto nako ishare sa akong mga kauban, principle of shared leadership labi na sa atong mga bag-o para maka-experience pud sila pagpadagan sa mga komitiba nga susama ana,” Abaday said.
Abaday also denied claims that fellow councilors had been uncooperative under his leadership, stressing that his resignation was voluntary and not caused by internal conflict.
During the session, City Councilor Joyleen Balaba opposed the resignation, saying she trusted Abaday’s leadership and capability to continue heading the committee. Abaday, however, insisted his decision was final.
The Games and Amusement Committee oversees legal gambling operations in the city, including cockpit and electronic gaming establishments.
Abaday admitted the committee’s workload had become difficult to manage alongside his other council assignments.
“Mahimong ineffective akong pagdala, usahay dili na nako maatiman ang meetings and activities tungod sa kadaghan sa responsibilidad,” he said.
The City Council is expected to elect a new committee chairperson, possibly during next Monday’s session.
The incoming chairman will immediately handle pending applications for electronic gaming operations in the city. Abaday said at least three electronic gaming investors are preparing to enter Cagayan de Oro with multi-million-peso projects that have already undergone inspections.
“Kaduha na mi nag-inspection, dagko na,” he said, reiterating that his resignation was irrevocable.
“No hurt feelings, no personal. Ang ako lang is sharing of leadership, no monopoly of position,” Abaday added.
