ILIGAN City’s night market scheduled for this Sunday, June 29, at the city public plaza has been canceled.
The suspension is due to the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected officials, according to Melvin Anggot, a local radio station manager and councilor candidate in the recent May elections.
All officials taking their oaths on Sunday belong to the “blue” team, led by reelected City Mayor Frederick Siao, who is set for his second term.
Winning candidates from Congressman Celso G. Regencia's “red” team had already taken their oaths a few days after the elections.
The 18th City Council held its final session last Tuesday, June 24, presided over by outgoing Vice Mayor Marianito ‘Dodong’ Alemania, who lost to Ernest Oliver ‘Wekwek’ Uy. Other outgoing councilors include Jake Balanay, Rosevi ‘Queenie’ Belmonte, Ryan Ong, and Betsy Zalsos.
Ong, Belmonte, and Balanay completed their third terms. Anggot reported that each delivered emotional farewell speeches, particularly Zalsos, a lawyer and certified public accountant.
Pictures of the outgoing officials were removed from the walls of the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall as their terms conclude at the end of the month.
Most of the officials taking their oaths on Sunday are incumbents from Siao’s Padayon Asenso Iligan Party. Alongside Mayor Siao, they include his son and incoming councilor Derrick Siao; councilors Providencia ‘Bong’ Abragan Jr., a lawyer; Tete Pacana; Michelle Sweet; Marlene Young, a lawyer; Samuel Huertas; Ramil Emborong, a mechanical engineer; Simplicio Larrazabal III; and King Belmonte, son of former Congressman Vicente ‘Varf’ Belmonte Jr.
Incoming councilors from Regencia’s team who have already taken their oaths are Nhicolle Capangpangpangan, beginning her second term, and Ian Ong, father of outgoing councilor Ryan Ong.
