Uy camp decries absence of Unabia team at transition meeting

THE transition team of Misamis Oriental governor-elect Juliette Uy on June 11, criticized the absence of the outgoing administration’s team during their scheduled meeting, calling it unfair and disruptive to the transition process.

A meeting was originally set for Wednesday between the teams of Uy and outgoing Gov. Peter Unabia.

However, Atty. Angel Lim of the Unity Party said the Unabia transition team, led by Provincial Administrator John Venice Ladaga, sent a letter on June 10 indicating they would instead meet on June 27 to turn over the requested documents.

Celso Abocejo, head of Uy's transition team, said they were left in the dark about the state of the provincial government.

“Karong adlawa unta mag-presentar ang mga departamento sa kapitolyo on their programs, plans, projects,” Abocejo said.

He noted that both camps had agreed during their May 20 meeting that the second meeting would be held on June 11. No formal cancellation of the meeting was sent, he said.

“Apan subo kay wala may nanunga bisan usa. So, ang ila pud sulat walay ingon nga i-cancel,” Abocejo said.

He added: “Dili mi kasabot kay ambiguous kaayo ilang letter unya walay cancellation sa letter.”

Abocejo said they had expected full cooperation and transparency to ensure a smooth transition.

“Wala sila nanunga,” he lamented.

He added that Uy’s team is now evaluating how to proceed.

In the letter sent by Unabia’s team, they committed to meeting on June 27 for the full turnover of documents. But Abocejo maintained this delay is detrimental to the incoming administration, which needs time to assess and prepare.

“May unta kong karon among makita daan, among mabaw-an daan nga kani mawala ang JO ani, mawala ni nga casual, mapulihan,” he said, referring to adjustments in job orders and casual employees. He also stressed the importance of continuity in government programs.

“Wala gyud mi picture kung unsa ang kahimtang sa kapitolyo,” Abocejo said.

Ladaga, for his part, said their team is currently preparing the necessary documents and is committed to a smooth transition. He assured Uy’s team that all required documents will be turned over in the final meeting on June 27.