Tuesday, July 17, 2007 PB rejects blanket authority for guv By Marna H. Dagumboy
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Board (PB) on Monday asked Governor Eddie Panlilio to revise his letter request for blanket authority and be more specific on his intentions.
The governor, through a letter read during the PB session on Monday, asked the board members to issue a resolution granting him full authority to enter into memorandums of agreement, contracts, and deeds of donation for the province.
Panlilio, during a closed-door meeting, clarified to the PB that he would only use the authority over "donations."
Vice Governor Joseller Guiao said the governor's statement contradicts his request for blanket authority.
"His (Panlilio) intention is not what the letter says," Guiao said.
Panlilio earlier said that on Jan. 3, 1980, the provincial treasurer was granted blanket authority. The vice governor said it was not so. The treasurer, he said, was only given authority to collect fees based on his functions and duties.
"The problem is the governor says one thing which is in conflict with what he writes. We only react based on the letter and draft resolution coming from Governor Panlilio," Guiao explained.
In his letter, Panlilio said several non-government organizations and private individuals are offering various help to the province and with this, he is requesting for the passage of a resolution granting him blanket authority to sign contracts, memoranda, and deeds to facilitate the processing of these donations.
But Guiao insisted that granting the governor blanket authority goes against the principle of check and balance at the Provincial Capitol.
