Saturday, August 18, 2007 Nalzaro: Fiscalizers or obstructionists? By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
IT has only been more than a month since newly elected local officials assumed office. No problem with those reelected because they can continue what they planned in their previous term. But first timers will find some difficulty in effecting changes.
It is still premature to say newcomers are performing well. The first one hundred days is crucial to them because within that span of time their performance will be assessed. So let us give them room to perform and govern well.
Political observers’ eyes are currently focused on Mandaue where the opposition dominates the City Council. Vice Mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna and majority of the councilors are allies of former mayor Teddy Ouano, whose son Jonkie lost to Jonas Cortes in the last elections. Fireworks are therefore expected between the mayor and the Council.
At this early stage, controversies have emerged between the mayor and the Council.
Recently, they quarreled on the proposal to declare a dengue outbreak in some barangays in the city. Cortes wants the Council to appropriate money for it but the Council is hesitant, saying an outbreak won’t justify the appropriation and only a declaration of a state of calamity will.
Cortes criticized the Council and said that the opposition does not have a heart for Mandauehanons. Fortuna countered by calling Cortes ignorant of the law. However, the issue was resolved after city health officials amended their recommendation from outbreak to calamity.
Another controversy cropped up after the mayor ordered the demolition of a park in front of the Mandaue City Hall. This after he received complaints from motorists and church officials that the park closed a road, posing danger to pedestrians.
Fortuna said it is not within the power of the mayor to demolish any park, plaza or portion of a street without the approval of the Council. Cortes insisted it is within his power. While they were arguing, Cortes had the park demolished anyway prompting Fortuna to seek the consensus of the Council on whether or not to invite Cortes to appear and explain his act before the body.
Cortes said he is not afraid to face anybody because he has basis for his action. Well, this is very interesting development to watch.
I can foresee more controversies breaking out between Cortes and the opposition-dominated Council. The Council may not only play the role of fiscalizer against the Cortes administration but also that of obstructionist.
Why? Because the unseen political hands of former mayor Thadeo Ouano will surely influence the Council's stand on Cortes’ policies.
I am afraid, however, that if this will happen, the Mandauehanons will suffer. Cortes cannot implement his programs and platforms of government without the support of the Council, especially on budgetary matters. He will always be under the mercy of the Council. And while he can veto ordinances and resolutions, the Council can always override the veto.
I hope Mandaue officials will be professional and reasonable enough to set aside political differences for the good of their constituents.
