Ex-officio member faces suspension for being ‘absenous’

THE Tuburan Municipal Council will suspend an ex-officio member for 60 days for not attending its weekly sessions.

Municipal Secretary Agnes Hoyohoy said that Vice Mayor Dominador Pesiao Jr. has sent a letter to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman Bret Monsanto, asking him to explain his absences.

Monsanto allegedly did not reply.

Reason

When the council sent him a resolution that required him to answer why he should not be suspended, Monsanto replied that he cannot attend because he is studying in Manila.

Hoyohoy said a council official is suspended after four consecutive absences.

She said Monsanto has only attended one session this year.

She said he passed a resolution requesting the council to hold a session on a Saturday once a month so he can at least attend.

More plaints

The council considered his request, but he allegedly did not make any follow-ups.

Hoyohoy said Monsanto continues to receive his P37,000 monthly salary and P11,000 monthly allowance from the council. She said he also gets grants and an honorarium from the barangay. (Monsanto won as SK chairman in Barangay 7.)

Hoyohoy said even the barangay has been complaining about his absence and accused him of abandoning his duties as SK chairman.