Sunday, January 20, 2008 Ex-officio councilors incur most absences in 2007 By Rimaliza Opiña
THE former presidents of the Associations of Barangay Councils (ABC) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation incurred the most number of absences during their sessions, for the past year.
Records from the Baguio City Council showed from January to June 2007, former councilor Rufino Panagan incurred six absences, while former councilor Leonardo Bayan Jr. four.
Out of the six absences Panagan incurred, only one was with permission. This was during their June 25 session.
On the other hand, Bayan had three unofficial absences and one was made with prior notice. This was during their June 12 session.
From July to December 2007, Panagan had six absences, four with prior notice and two "unofficial." Bayan for his part incurred six absences, where four were made without prior notice.
During the past City Council, Acting Vice Mayor Leandro Yangot Jr., former councilors Edilberto Tenefrancia, Faustino Olowan, Elmer Datuin and incumbent Councilor Galo Weygan, had perfect attendance for 22 sessions, beginning January 8 to June 25.
For the present members of the City Council who took over last July, Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas, Weygan, Erdolfo Balajadia, Nicasio Aliping Jr., Nicasio Palaganas, Richard Cariño and Elaine Sembrano have not missed a session.
Councilors Rocky Thomas Balisong, Perlita Chan-Rondez, Isabelo Cosalan Jr. and Fred Bagbagen had one absence each but with prior notices, while Councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda had two, one with prior notice and one for official travel abroad.
Councilor Antonio Tabora Jr. also has two absences also for official travel abroad.
