Former officials leave town coffers ‘bankrupt’

BY JENNELYN MONDEJAR

SISON, Pangasinan – This town’s coffers is “almost bankrupt,” newly installed mayor Kimi Cojuangco bared.

She said of the P51-million allocation from the national government for 2007, only P39,000 was left by the past administration.

“This is the truth, and I want my constituents to know that our treasury is almost bankrupt,” she said, vowing transparency in her administration.

The lady mayor said she would find ways to improve the financial instability of Sison. “I would like to ask my husband, Congressman Mark Cojuangco, to help us as Sison is one of the nine towns in his district,” she said.

The town’s chief executive also said that one of her top concerns is a program to provide and improve the livelihood of her constituents.

“Palalaguin natin ang palengke at maglalagay tayo ng bagsakan center para sa mga produkto n gating mga bukid ditto sa Sison,” she said.

She also said that food production will be stepped up.

Mayor Cojuangco was cited by her townmates for being honest and sincere in her goal to serve them and turn Sison into a better municipality.

She pledged to do her best to push the advancement of the town with the support of her constituents.

The lady mayor, who ran unopposed in the May 14 polls, said “We are moving toward the development and progress of Sison.”

Rep. Mark O. Cojuangco 5th District, Pangasinan), her husband, earlier administered her oath of office at rites witnessed by her parent-in-law Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco and his wife Gretchen.

She thanked her supporters and the guests, who included Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico Jr., president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Villasis Mayor Nonto Abrencia, and Abono partylist founder Rosendo So.