Monday, July 02, 2007 New council promises against absenteeism, cellphone use By Grace L. Plata
ASIDE from taking their oath of office, the members of the 15h council were also made to promise three things by administering judge Emmanuel Carpio.
Carpio, before he swore in the councilors per district, repeatedly asked them to promise to avoid absenteeism, observe punctuality, and not to use cellphones during the session.
"I do not permit cellphones in my sala. Councilor Librado and Councilor Advincula know that," Carpio said.
Vice Mayor Sara Z. Duterte and a number of councilors agreed with the judge.
Councilor Mabel S. Acosta said it would be a good way to start the council keeping Carpio's three suggestions in mind. However, Acosta said it would be up to the vice mayor to make this a reality.
"I totally agree with this kay it's a sign of disrespect pud kung mag sige ka ug tawag diha habang ga-session (if you keep on using your cellphone while the council is in session)," said neophyte Councilor Rachel Zozobrado.
Councilor Diosdado Mahipus, for his part, said the rules must be adhered to in the incoming sessions although he is leery about its strict implementation.
"Ningas kugon man gud ang uban mao na sa kadugay na, dili na lang i-call ang attention sa violators (Rules such as there are only good at the start. After a while these are disregarded by some and thus violators' attention are no longer called)," Mahipus said.
The vice mayor, however, said she is supportive of amending the House rules, noting the system under the old guidelines had been a cause of long debates in the 14th council
"Musugot ko pero dapat kaisahun ra (I will agree to amendments to the House rules for as long as this will only be done once and for all)," she said.
