The employees’ union of the Angeles City government has defended Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II against online criticism over his supposedly delayed order to suspend classes on Tuesday due to inclement weather.
The mayor suspended classes at around 6:30 a.m., but parents and guardians criticized the timing, saying their children were already in school or on their way there when the announcement was made.
The Association of Government Employees for a New Dynamic Angeles City (AGENDA) defended Lazatin’s decision, saying it was unfair to judge the mayor ‘solely on a single decision while overlooking the many responsibilities he carries as the city’s chief executive.’
The group said the suspension of classes was only one of the mayor’s many concerns.
‘Maagang dumarating si Mayor sa City Hall at gabi na kung minsan ay nandito pa rin siya, sinusubukang matapos ang mga kailangang tugunan para sa araw na iyon. Hindi po makatarungan na basta na lamang husgahan at i-bash ang isang lider na araw-araw ay nagsisikap para sa maayos na pamamahala,’ AGENDA president Aiza Zapanta said in a statement sent through the city information office.
(The mayor goes to work early at City Hall and sometimes leaves late to resolve the day’s problems. It is not right to judge a leader who spends each day toiling for good governance)
AGENDA said the decision to suspend classes should also consider other sectors whose livelihoods could be affected by the cancellation of face-to-face classes.
It said transport workers, including jeepney and tricycle drivers, as well as small and medium enterprises and other businesses near schools, would lose income when classes are suspended.
‘Marami rin ang umaasang may pasok dahil nakasalalay dito ang kanilang arawang kita. Kaya bawat desisyon ay kailangang pag-isipang mabuti,’ the group said.
(Many livelihoods rely on schools remaining open. so every decision needs a thorough review of its consequences).
AGENDA urged the public to exercise restraint and responsibility online, saying constructive criticism was welcome but personal attacks and online bashing should be avoided.
The suspension order, posted on the city government’s and Lazatin’s Facebook pages, drew about 3,000 comments, with hundreds of netizens criticizing the late suspension.
Several parents said their children, particularly preschool and elementary pupils, were already in school or on their way when the suspension was announced.
Some netizens said classes start at either 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., making the late announcement inconvenient and potentially risky, particularly amid heavy rains and flooding in some areas.
‘Sana po pakiagahan po ang announcement, mga 2 oras bago ang oras ng pasukan,’ a netizen commented on the mayor’s and the city government’s posts.