Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez is presented with documents from the previous administration representing the city government properties, financial records and other public documents during the turnover ceremonies held at the City Hall on Monday,July 1.The ceremonial turnover was witnessed by City DILG Director Atty. Darwin Bibar, Councilors Evangeline Esperas, Aimee Grafil, Dalisay Erpe, and Leo Bahin. (H.J. ROCA)

TACLOBAN CITY- Mayor Alfred Romualdez said that among the things that he would do as he begins his term this Monday is to conduct a ‘house cleaning.’
He was referring to officials and even employees of the City Hall who he may find wanting of their performances.
Romualdez formally assumed the post as city mayor on Monday (July 1), replacing his wife, Cristina, who held the post for a single term which ended on June 30.
“I have worked with them before and they knew that my demands are very high and I set a high standard. So I expect them, no less, really hard work,” the city mayor said.
Romualdez already served as mayor of Tacloban for nine years which ended on 2013, one of the most difficult and challenging periods of the city as it suffered major devastation when it was pummeled by super typhoon ‘Yolanda.’
Asked if there could be some changes among department heads, Mayor Romualdez said that it would be depend on some reasons.
He also answered the same reply when asked if he plan not to continue some of the programs and projects implemented during the previous administration.
Mayor Romualdez, however, stressed that contrary to perceptions by some, he did not intervened during the administration of his wife and gave her full and free hand while she was the mayor of Tacloban.
Meantime, the newly-assumed mayor said that among his priorities is to ensure that all basic services needed by the people of the city would be addressed and provided to them.
He also said that environmental protection will also be high on his administration which include proper implementation of solid waste management.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)