QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been designated as the acting national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
She will temporarily replace suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. Belmonte is the executive vice president of the LCP.
“To ensure the smooth operations and functioning of the league, the National Executive Board (NEB) resolved and recognized Mayor Belmonte-Alimurung as the acting national president of the LCP,” the league’s unanimous board resolution stated.
While Rama’s six-month preventive suspension is temporary, it “hinders him from exercising his powers and authority as the mayor, including his representation in the LCP,” the LCP said.
“As such, he is temporarily unable to perform his functions, powers, and responsibilities
In May, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended Rama and seven other city officials for the non-payment of salaries of several city hall employees.
In a 10-page resolution, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said there were sufficient grounds of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a public officer and conduct prejudicial to the best interest committeed by Rama.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Joy Belmonte appointed as LCP acting national president
