Banias eyed as prov’l administrator

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias is torn between returning to private life and public service.

Banias confirmed that House Majority Floor Leader and Iloilo governor-elect Arthur Defensor Sr. invited him to join the latter’s administration next month.

Banias, a medical doctor by profession, said he was flattered by Defensor’s offer “but I am seriously considering the offer.”

“I have been thinking of going back to private life and my business until the offer from Gov. Defensor came. But I am giving it careful thought as of now,” he said.

Talks are rife that Banias, whose term as presidential adviser will end next month, will be appointed provincial administrator of the Defensor administration.

Defensor told The Daily Guardian On Air last Saturday that he invited Banias to his administration.

“He will be an asset to the administration should he accept it. His track record as mayor and presidential assistant proves his capabilities as a public official. It was I who recommended that he be appointed presidential adviser for Western Visayas because I believe in his skills,” Defensor said.

Aside from Banias, Cabatuan Mayor Ramon Yee is also a potential candidate to the office of the provincial administrator.

Yee ,who will “graduate” as mayor next month, did not run for a higher post in the 2010 elections.

“Mayor Yee is a fine local government executive and he will also be an asset to my administration,” Defensor said.

The provincial administrator is considered the “little governor” as he/she assists the governor in formulating, implementing plans and programs and coordinates works of local officials.

Meanwhile, Defensor said he will review the manpower setup of the provincial government when he assumes office next month.

Defensor said he will make a final decision on who will be retained and removed from the capitol after a performance audit has been completed.

“We will find out if who are performing or not in the course of the audit. I also need a profile of the human resource setup before I can make a final decision on my appointments,” he added.

Defensor said he is also willing to talk to the present administration should it initiate a dialogue on the transition process at the capitol.