By: Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE FORMER traffic czar of Iloilo City is now jobless after he was replaced by his deputy effective Wednesday.

Neuens Mitch Antiqueña’s appointment as employee of the Iloilo City government ended after Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog finally announced yesterday his removal as chief of the Traffic Management and Transportation Regulation Office (TMTRO).

Replacing Antiqueña as TMTRO officer-in-charge is Engr. Jose Tengco who was earlier rumored to be the next chief traffic enforcer of the city.

Mabilog reported to office yesterday after a bout with flu for his regular department heads meeting and to finally announce the much-awaited TMTRO revamp.

“Engr. Tengco will be in charge of office operations pending the appointment of a permanent TMTRO head,” Mabilog said.

Mabilog said Antiqueña will assume as assistant building administrator of the new City Hall and executive assistant for the Iloilo City College.

But Mabilog said Antiqueña’s new posts are still dependent on the approval by the City Council of the new plantilla items for the said positions. Apparently, the former TMTRO chief’s new assignment is still floating.

Mabilog added he will observe Tengco’s performance in three to six months to find out if he can qualify as permanent TMTRO head.

“The top position of TMTRO is still open as we are still looking for persons with knowledge and expertise in urban traffic,” he said.

Mabilog also announced the designation of Rhodora Kapunan as TMTRO administrative officer.

He also designated executive assistant Mathilde Octavio as supervising administrative officer of the Iloilo City Community College (ICCC) and will no longer be the city mayor’s executive assistant for education.