Monday, July 16, 2007 Maxey: The City Council's 'new look' By Ram Maxey Bar None
IN CASE you haven't noticed, the 15th Davao City Council is turning out to be different in some respects from its predecessors if we count back to the 14th, 13th, 12th and so on down the line.
The 15th Council's young presiding officer, Vice-Mayor Sara Z. Duterte (Inday Sara), was at first a reluctant candidate for the position, but when she finally made up her mind to go for it with the prodding of her father, re-electionist Mayor Rody Duterte, this lady lawyer has brought something new to the City Council.
In other words, she is making a difference this early in her term. At first glance it isn't really much, but it could be the beginning of a new order, the dawn of a new day at the City Council.
First off, she expects the male members of the Council who attend sessions in barong tagalog not to fold the cuffs of their sleeves but leave them buttoned. The "honorable" councilors must look honorable at all times while inside the session hall. Or outside of it, for that matter.
Another thing -- in past councils it was not unusual to see councilors reading newspapers, apparently oblivious to deliberations going on during sessions.
Not that they're endowed with the extraordinary trait of being able to follow the discussions on the floor while at the same time comprehending information straight out of the pages of the newspaper.
It was more a sign of disrespect for their colleagues who were trying to earn their salaries and assorted perks by joining in the debate.
Inday Sara has also put her foot down on the practice of some councilors who make it a habit to communicate with their textmates by way of cellphones during sessions, or fail to arrive in time for roll call.
In the latter case, the latecomers are now made to explain to their colleagues the reason for their tardiness. Rather than be forced to sheepishly voice out their mea culpa, the councilors now choose to be punctual.
This "new look" in the City Council has been a long time coming. There is a need to restore dignity and decorum in the City Council and these little changes are the first steps towards that end. What a difference Inday Sara's coming has made in the City Council. And that's only the beginning.
