Mayor Sayadi official statement on turnover of supervision of Cotabato City to BARMM

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Sa mga kapwa ko Cotabateno, mula pa nung nakaraang linggo, marami na akong natanggap na mensahe mula sa mga mamamayan at nagtatanong tungkol sa pagdami ng mga taong pumapasok dito sa ating siyudad. Kahapon lang, maraming larawan na nagkalat sa social media sa pagpasok nila dito sa ating lungsod.

Today, I have also learned that there are groups coming from different municipalities OUTSIDE of the city that will be entering the city to show their support to the BARMM for their ceremony happening tomorrow.

Although they are allowed to come in to the city, I would only like to remind everyone of the existing guidelines of the city as we are still under Modified General Community Quarantine.

Our authorities gave me the assurance that they will do everything to protect the people. Thus, the augmentation of forces and the deployment of troops and armaments inside the City.

MASS GATHERINGS , as agreed by the authorities , must still be regulated and everyone must have their own Digital IDs. Minimum health standards must also be observed at all times whenever you will be in public places.

To all the REAL RESIDENTS OF COTABATO CITY, just always remain cautious and vigilant. If you can, please avoid crowded places at this time. There may be people who will take advantage of the situation and create an unfavorable scenario. Although our authorities are already on high alert and they have increased their visibility all throughout the city, it is still crucial that we also do our part in safekeeping our city.

For the information of everyone, tomorrow (December 15, 2020) is BUSINESS AS USUAL IN COTABATO CITY. The city government will remain open for all its clients and it will go about its regular daily activities.

There will be NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGES and as stated under the Law, “The privileges already enjoyed by local government units under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other existing laws shall NOT diminished”.

Above all, under the law, the supervision of LGU Cotabato City remains with the President of the Philippines.

Much as we have opposed the inclusion and the turn over, we took the democratic process and that is to bring the case to the Supreme Court and until now, we are still waiting for a resolution. So now, we leave the fate of our city to the hands of the Supreme Court. Whatever the result may be, rest assured, the Cotabato City LGU will continue to be a government by the people and for the people.

To everyone who is asking about what to expect after the turn over, when it comes to the activities of the local government, there will be no changes.

All the laws that we are implementing and all the processes of transactions will remain the same and in full effect.

Wala din pong katotohanan na aalisin sa trabaho ang mga empleado ng City Government. I will not allow that because these employees are paid by the City Government of Cotabato.

Our Constitution and all our Philippine Laws as well as Ordinances shall prevail and will at all times be upheld by our authorities.

Please do not MISLEAD the people. Cotabatenos deserve nothing more than the truth. Cotabato City is a city of Diverse culture where respect for one's religion is the norm.

Fighting for what is right does not make one a MUNAFIQ. But a hypocrite fooling the people and who possesses one of these characters is the one....
-when he talks he lies,
-when he makes a promise he violates it,
-when he makes a covenant he acts treacherously, and
-when he quarrels, he deviates from the truth.

Upholding truth and justice is enshrined in all sacred books.

Again, there is nothing you should worry about. I AM HERE and I will always be here to continue to lead the government and to continue to protect the best interest and the welfare of all Cotabateños.

The ELECTED VICE MAYOR, Hon. Graham Nazer Guiani Dumama as well as the other ELECTED and ex officio officials of the Sangguniang Panglunsod will
Move as one to protect the interests of the people.

I AM STILL AND WILL REMAIN THE ELECTED MAYOR OF COTABATO CITY.