|
Monday, September 11, 2006
Nalzaro: Sugbuak to be made a party stand
By Bobby Nalzaro
CEBU City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco plans to raise the proposal to create three more provinces out of Cebu Province or the Sugbuak issue to the hierarchy of the Lakas-NUCD once the bills are up for plenary discussions and voting. Cuenco revealed his plan during a gathering of media leaders over the weekend. House Speaker and Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) was also present in the occasion.
Cuenco, who strongly opposes the Sugbuak bills, admitted that their proponents have the upper hand when it comes to scheduling the plenary debate because of the so-called “old boys’ club.” They will lobby their colleagues, who are not from Cebu, to sign the bills. Cuenco said it’s easier to convince non-Cebuano legislators to support the bills since the issue is more of a local concern.
In return, these congressmen might ask the Cebuano legislators who are the proponents of Sugbuak for their help in the future. Quid pro quo. Heavy debates and division of the House through nominal voting will only happen if the bills are very controversial and of national importance like the anti-terrorism bill, VAT and the impeachment issues.
Bills of local application are even sometimes railroaded because some congressmen will not pay them any attention. Cuenco said there are several pending bills on creation of new provinces. For sure, he said, the congressmen of these areas will also approach Cebuano legislators to support their move once the bills are taken up in the committee level and plenary. At least we know how Congress works.
Because of this situation, Cuenco expects the plenary to approve the three bills sponsored by Reps. Sim Kintanar (Cebu Sur), Clavel Asas-Martinez (Cebu del Norte) and Antonio Yapha (Cebu Occidental). To block this, Cuenco will write to Speaker Jose De Venecia and Lakas-NUCD party leaders, asking them to take up and make the Sugbuak issue a party stand. After all, the proponents of these bills are not from the party.
Martinez was stripped of her membership in Lakas and the commission on appointments after she accused President Arroyo of electoral fraud at the height of the “Hello, Garci” scandal. Kintanar and Yapha belong to the Nationalist People’s Coalition. If Cuenco succeeds in getting party support, I’m quite sure that’s the end of the Sugbuak bills. Morag makatulog nang maghayang si Gov. Gwen Garcia ani. Abangan!
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/09182198333)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 11, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
