TERM ENDS. Outgoing Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin in this file photo. More than a month after losing his bid to become the city’s chief executive, Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin bids farewell after serving as a local government official for two decades. (Photo from FB page of Jerry Yaokasin)
TACLOBAN CITY – More than a month after failing in his bid to become the city’s chief executive, Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin bids farewell after serving for two decades as a local government official.
In a statement on Tuesday, he expressed gratitude for the “honor and privilege” of serving the city for the past 20 years -- two years as a village chief, nine years as a city councilor, and nine years as vice mayor.
“I have stood for my principles, advanced my convictions with civility, pursued the public interest with courage, and above all, gave my all for the greater good of Tacloban. Being the vice mayor for the last nine years was more than an honor. It was more than an office. It was a charge to keep,” the official said.
Yaokasin, who presided over the last session of the 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod said he gave his best and has no regrets.
The official, whose family runs businesses in the city, has not disclosed future political plans.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez, now serving his second term, defeated Yaokasin in the mayoralty race in the May 9 elections.
Romualdez garnered 63,976 votes while Yaokasin only earned 53,289 votes.
Yaokasin’s running mate, Edwin Chua is the incoming vice mayor.
Of the ten seats in the upcoming city council, only two members are Yaokasin’s teammates. The rest belongs to the mayor’s team. (PNA)
