Municipal Hall of Bamban, Tarlac. Raphael Bosano, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Bamban, Tarlac Acting Mayor Erano Timbang on Thursday vowed continuous service for residents even if he is the only official of their town at the moment.

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Timbang was a councilor thrust into the position after former Mayor Alice Guo was dismissed, and the current vice mayor and councilors were suspended for three months by the Ombudsman. 

“Hindi dahilan ‘yung mga problemang kinakaharap para itigil namin ‘yung mga tulong sa mamamayan ng Bamban,” Timbang told ABS-CBN News. 

(The problems we face cannot hinder the delivery of service to our people.) 

Timbang will stay in office for three months, along with other officials who are expected to be appointed next week. 

“Nag-usap na rin po kami ng DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) winowork-out na po nila kung sino ang uupo,” Timbang said. 

“Dalawa sa NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition), isa sa Aksyon Demokratiko, and then lima po ‘yung open applicant po ‘yan. Kahit sino puwedeng mag-apply basta po ‘yung may qualification na kailangan. Tapos may screening committee.” 

(I have talked with DILG and it is already working out who will be appointed. Two from NPC, one from Aksyon Demokratiko and five will be open for application. Anyone can apply so long as they meet the qualifications. There will be a screening committee.) 

Timbang admits his new role is a hard one, and the biggest challenge of which is getting the trust of others. 

“Kailangan kong makuha yung tiwala ng mga kasamahan ko dito sa local government dahil alam ko naman po may kanya kanyang kaming idolo. Napakahirap,” he said.   

(I need to get the trust of my colleagues here in the local government because I know we have our own idols. It is very hard.) 

“Masaya dahil nagka-reward ako tapos malungkot sa mga nangyayari sa mga kababayan namin, pati yung mga kasamahan ko.” 

(I’m happy because I was rewarded but I am saddened by what is happening even to the ones I work with.)   

Timbang was the only one who opposed the construction of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban. He refused to say why, as there is an ongoing case. 

As for the Baofu Compound, Timbang is leaving it to the national government to decide what it will do with the seized property. 

Despite the turn of events, residents pin their hope on Timbang.

 “Medyo nalulungkot po pero tiwala naman po kami sa mga uupo,” Beverly Rivera said. 

(We are a bit sad but we trust those who will lead us.)

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