In a letter to Vice Mayor Sara Duterte dated April 9, Dayanghirang reported that since he assumed his post as floor leader on February 12, the council has approved 148 items for first reading and 50 for 2nd and 3rd readings, collectively, including those passed under suspended rules due to urgency.
"The process is much faster than that of the past," Dayanghirang said in an interview Thursday.
He attributed this to innovations such as consulting the City Legal Office on proposed legislation prior to its passage, a time-efficient move that prevents the possibility of the ordinance being vetoed.
Dayanghirang said that under his leadership, no ordinance or resolution passed by the council has been vetoed.
Dayanghirang expressed dismay over the criticism to his leadership particularly in the implementation of the council house rules.
"We have different interpretations. It does not follow that a senior member is always correct in interpreting it. You do not need to be a lawyer to understand and follow the law. This is unfair to non-laywers, which make up majority of the council," Dayanghirang said.
He added that the proposed revisions to the House Rules are one way of clarifying its application.
"Next time, we will limit the time of the councilor to question a resource person so there will be ample time for the others. Daghan jud nag reklamo pud (Many are complaining) and that is accepted," Dayanghirang said.
The floor leader also addressed the criticisms regarding his speech.
"As long as we understand each other, I do not see any problem with that. Blunders in grammar happen to everybody," Dayanghirang said. (GLP)
