Photo taken from Nilo Abellera Jr.’s Facebook page
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – After almost a week since his removal from chairmanship and memberships in various committees of the City Council, Councilor Nilo Abellera, Jr. said he holds no grudges against his colleagues.
On Tuesday, October 3, Abellera told reporters that he has “no hard feelings” towards the members of the council since it was “the decision of the body and not a one-man decision.”
“If that is the decision of the body, I will abide by it,” he said.
During its regular session on September 27, the city council dislodged Abellera from various committees due to frequent absences. Councilor Ma. Belen Acosta replaced him in all positions as head of the committee on peace and public safety, co-chairperson of the committee on barangay affairs and member of the committees on finance; games and amusement; and tourism and beautification.
Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte maintained that the reason of Abellera’s removal was because of the councilor’s absences.
Abellera said he was on a sick leave because his doctors advised him to take rest for two to four weeks due to some medical issues.
He added that he also skipped session to attend the Senate probe in August, after he was tagged as part of the Davao Group, which was allegedly involved in a multi-billion drug smuggling case.
“They knew why I was absent,” Abellera said and pointed that he was on leave for valid reasons.
Abellera was tagged in the alleged Davao Group along with Vice Mayor Duterte and lawyer Manases Carpio, who is the husband of City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Abellera was named by customs broker Mark Taguba as part of the group which he accused of asking money from brokers.
Despite the removal of his positions, he assured that he will continue to work with the projects and programs of the council.
“It’s non-stop, with or without a committee,” he said.(davaotoday.com)
