Principally authored by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, presiding officer of the 20th City Council, city legislators unanimously passed a resolution honoring former City Councilor Atty. Edgardo Y. Raagas, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, for his dedication and significant contributions to Cagayan de Oro City as the oldest practicing lawyer.
Atty. Ed Raagas started as a clerk, later became a legal researcher, and eventually a fiscal in 1965.
He was elected as member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and was known for his sharp mind and thoughtful deliberation, earning him a place among the “5 Stars” alongside other lawyers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
“Let us give recognition for all his contributions,” VM Bebot remarked.
Elected as City Councilor on November 17, 1986 until June 30, 1998 under the leadership of Mayor Pablo P. Magtajas and several Vice Mayors, Atty. Ed Raagas contributed to the crafting of vital legislative measures that have greatly shaped the city's progress, the Council resolution reads, adding he has dedicated his life to public service and legal excellence.
The Council noted that Atty. Raagas, through his leadership and service, has set an outstanding example of dedication, professionalism, and moral character, remaining active in the legal profession to this day, showing his deep passion for justice and the betterment of society. His long and distinguished career, marked by his integrity and service to Cagayan de Oro, has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of public servants and citizens alike, the Resolution further reads.
Atty. Raagas is the uncle of the City Administrator, Atty. Roy Hilario P. Raagas.
THE City Council committee on subdivision and landed estate chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas favorably recommended the approval of the requests for land acquisition/expropriation of lot owners whose properties were affected by the city projects.
The request is to cover full payment of just compensation including registration and documentation expenses of the identified lot owners of the properties affected by the projects, specifically; the Macahambus Road at Barangay No. 16, proposed widening of Tambo-Biasong Road at Barangay Macasandig, and a property in Barangay Carmen.
During the committee meeting, the lot owners expressed their intention to accept the appraised value presented by the City Appraisal Committee which was submitted to the committee.
With this, Councilor Cabanlas recommended the approval of the appropriation and for the city government to proceed with the necessary procedure to acquire the said properties.
“Considering that they have accepted the appraisal, and there is no objection on the part of the land owners to acquire their property for road purposes and public use, appropriation is approved,” said Cabanlas.
The requests were referred to the committee on laws and rules also chaired by Councilor Cabanlas for appropriate action.
COUNCILOR Aga Suan addressed the issue of machine betting during a recent City Council session, emphasizing the necessity for new legislation to regulate such systems.
Suan pointed out the challenges in approving the application of Indahag Square Garden, represented by Mr. Victor Cabeltes, to hold a 4-Stag 4-Cock Combo Derby on January 15, 2025 which involves machine betting due to the absence of any legal framework to support it.
Following numerous queries and concerns raised by council members, the matter was deferred for further study.