Iligan mayor, Lanao Norte gov nominated to head RDC 10

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo were nominated to chair the Regional Development Council (RDC) 10 during the body’s re-organizational meeting in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday.

Although they are from different political parties, Cruz said he and the governor have agreed that, whoever Aquino chooses will support both Iligan and Lanao del Norte.

President Benigno Aquino III has until October to choose who he would like to chair RDC 10.

If Dimaporo is appointed, Cruz said he is likely to take the chairmanship of the committee on infrastructure and utilities and be vice chairman for the government sector.

If Cruz is chosen, Ozamiz City Mayor Nova Parojinog-Echavez will chair the committee on Infrastructure and utilities, which Dimaporo used to head and wants to let other officials take charge of.

Dimaporo belongs to the Lakas Kampi-CMD while Cruz is with the ruling Liberal Party.

Interviewed on Friday, Cruz lamented what he called an attempt to manipulate the nomination process for the chairmanship of the RDC.

He recounted that, as soon as Lanao del Norte Governor was nominated, one mayor, whom he declined to name, stood up and moved to close the nomination.

He also said some officials who were not interested in taking positions in the RDC were nominated.

The Iligan mayor thanked Dimaporo “who nominated me, making two nominees for President Benigno Aquino III to choose from…” (RV Umel)