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Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Local execs dismiss Mindanao lawmakers meet
By Danilo V. Adorador III
SOMETHING fishy reportedly occurred in last Saturday's conference of Mindanao congressmen composing the majority block in the Lower House.
The smell apparently reached Mayor Vicente Emano who hinted his own suspicions on why the caucus was held in his city.
Emano claimed he was invited thrice to attend the meeting but had to refuse in lieu of some important matters.
Zamboanga Representative Antonio Cerilles reportedly said the forum was held in the city because of the "proximity of the area and safety" but still the mayor admitted he remains suspicious.
Speculations that the gathering was in preparation for a looming change of leadership at the House of Representatives were bolstered as the group discussed several "reforms" in their ranks.
Emano is opposed to any re-alignment in the Lower House leadership.
The lack of a House quorum, rules on floor deliberations, committee hearings, and party discipline--topics, which all point on House Speaker Jose de Venecia's perceived weakness as House leader were among discussed by the legislators.
The lawmakers agreed to discipline according to party rules party-mates who deserted the party line at the height of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's impeachment deliberations in the House of Representatives.
Once the House leadership does not institute the agreed "reforms", the group indicated they might seek for an "ideal leadership in Congress."
Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay is reportedly interested in de Venecia's post, a claim the latter denied.
But Emano who is a staunch administration ally said he sees no need to change the House leadership at this time.
The mayor said Congress must prioritize the pressing issues affecting the country at present like the value added tax's impact on prime commodities.
Emano also called on legislators to stop an end to bickering in Congress.
For his part, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno said he was not invited to the meeting but added that the meeting concerned mostly the internal politics in Congress.
On the other hand Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri dismissed the meeting saying it won't contribute much to easing the political tension in the country. (With reports from LJA)
(November 9, 2005 issue)
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