Eric Saratan took his oath as mayor of Talisay City before Gov. Joseph Marañon at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday.

Saratan, who was vice mayor of Talisay, assumed the post of mayor following the death of Anthony Lizares, 39, who succumb to end stage liver disease Monday.

Saratan was accompanied by his fiancée, Sheila Yap, first councilor and incoming vice mayor Neil Lizares III, and the Talisay City councilors during the oathtaking rites.

Marañon said his advise for Saratan is to be committed to his work and honor the promises he makes to the people of Talisay, especially in his visits to the barangays.

The achievements of Mayor Lizares were quite impressive so Saratan will have to work hard to meet the expectations of the people, Marañon said, as he wished him good luck in his new post.

Saratan said his first act will be to make it clear to his fellow Talisay City government officials that their goal will be to sincerely serve the people as a team.

Coordinated efforts of his office, the Sanggunian and the department heads are very important for effective delivery of services, he said.

I believe in a consultative approach to leadership and the need to visit the barangays as often as possible so the people will know that government wants to serve them, he said.

Saratan said no decision has been made yet on who will fill a vacancy in the city council with the first councilor assuming the post of vice mayor.

Meanwhile, he described Anthony Lizares as a good friend, who was like a brother. We became close when we became members of the Lingkod ng Panginoon, a group of Catholic single businessmen and professionals, he said.

Saratan said he and Lizares also organized the Association of Young Professionals in Talisay in 1992.

"Mayor Lizares was a good person who loved the poor and was very generous," he said.

Lizares' body lies in state at the Villa Valderrama Chapel in Bacolod City and will be transferred to the Talisay City Hall Thursday morning. He is tentatively set to be buried at the Lizares mausoleum in Talisay City on Monday.

Senate President Franklin Drilon is expected to visit his wake, while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was set to call yesterday to condole with the family.

Lizares' mother, Teresita Valderrama Lizares, said the fact that many people loved her son so much makes her happy.

Meanwhile, an investigation on the two executive assistants of Lizares who allegedly held a drinking session and "floor show" at the Talisay Mayor's Office in the evening of Jan. 7 is still being conducted, Saratan said.

Saratan said he will have to speak with the executive assistants to find out what really happened, adding that a decision will be out soon.*CPG

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