New city compliance team head takes on added task

The new head of the compliance team that enforces health protocols in Iloilo City amid the COVID-19 pandemic buckled down to work after the resignation of his predecessor.

Nestor Canong, who also heads the task force on moral values and formation, said he immediately met with Executive assistant for barangay affairs Fernando Jose “Boyet” Rico, who previously headed the team, and the team members for the formal turnover of responsibilities.

Canong took over the compliance team after Rico’s resignation from the team on Thursday.

But Rico will remain as executive assistant to Mayor Jerry Treñas.

“It’s added work but we will try our utmost to ensure that the public will follow the protocols on wearing of masks and face or eye shield and safe distancing. We will need everyone’s cooperation or else we will continue to suffer from the spread of COVID-19,” Canong said.

Treñas confirmed Rico’s official resignation last Thursday.

“It is with regret that I accept the resignation of Mr. Fernando Jose Rico as head of the Compliance Team. I thank Boyet for his work as head of Compliance team for more than a year,” he said in a statement.

Rico recently came under fire after he posted a photo of him and other employees eating lunch after being subjected to the mandatory swab testing of City Hall employees.

The photo received mixed reactions from Ilonggo netizens who criticized the official for violating health protocols when he failed to self-isolate after undergoing swab test.

All employees of the City Hall were required to undergo swab testing after the building went on lockdown due to the surge of cases. In his executive order, the mayor has mandated employees to self-isolate while waiting for their swab results.

Rico, meanwhile, apologized in media interviews and later announced that he tested negative for Covid-19.

“Gina-ako ko nga may sala gid ako. I know nga may protocol pero kinahanglan ko lang gid magkaon kay kon indi malipong ako sa dalanon,” he said.

Rico said he quit as he no longer has the moral ascendancy to lead the team.

“Protocols are protocols,” he added. (ERS)