By Chito Chavez
Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte vowed to fulfill her responsibilities and campaign promises right on the first day that she becomes city mayor.
Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)
In an interview, Belmonte vowed to carry out her crusade to shun corruption in her administration, pledging to execute her mandated duties devoid of bias and irregularities if she comes out victorious in the coming May 13 mid-term elections.
"I already know what I should do and what I should improve in our city. That's why, if I will be elected as mayor, as early as July 1, I can already meet my responsibility," said Belmonte.
“I have been exposed to leadership and service as vice mayor of the city for nine years. I also observed the governance of Mayor Herbert Bautista," Belmonte added, citing the partnership between her and Bautista for three terms at the helm of Quezon City.
During the proclamation rally of Belmonte's Serbisyo sa Bayan Party (SBP), Bautista officially endorsed Belmonte's candidacy for mayor.
The outgoing mayor assured voters that Belmonte will continue the legacy of genuine public service espoused by her father, former mayor and House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte.
The younger Belmonte likewise said that her father has been instrumental in preparing her for the role.
"I am not my father, but I have learned from his good qualities as a leader and even from his mistakes. Though I have my own brand of leadership, my entire childhood has been spent observing my dad and mom as they served their community and the country. I have always aspired to serve as well, before, as vice mayor, and now, as a candidate for mayor," Belmonte said.
Belmonte also conveyed that she was prepared to take over the seat as she already has a plan in place for the programs she will implement in her first 100 days as Quezon City mayor.
"Buo na ang platform at line-up ng mga proyekto na nais kong isakatuparan sa unang 100 araw ng pagkakahalal ko. Handang-handa ako mamuno sa hangaring hindi po tayo magsasayang ng anumang oras sa pagserbisyo sa mga taga-lungsod (My platform and line-up of projects that I intend to implement in my first 100 days in office is ready. I am prepared to lead to the point that I would not waste any time in serving the people),’’ the vice mayor stressed.
Some of the programs Belmonte vowed to accomplish in her first 100 days include enhancing peace and order in the city by installing CCTV's in numerous locations in the city, bringing social services closer to barangays and enhancing the implementation of city ordinances.