Wednesday, August 06, 2008 PB denies guv's plea for special session By Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Provincial Board (PB) has decided to return to Governor Eddie Panlilio his letter requesting for a special session on the supplemental budget and related matters.
The PB's reason: Panlilio has failed to specify the urgency of his request and the specific concerns that the legislative body will look into.
In the PB session presided by Board Member Crisostomo Garbo last Tuesday, it ruled that Panlilio had failed "to fully impress the reason for the need of a special session."
In his letter dated July 28 to the PB, Panlilio said he is requesting for the holding of a special session, which was suggested by the PB during the Panlilio-PB dialogue at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here on July 21.
Panlilio stated in his letter that the Office of the Governor could no longer support the operational expenses of the units attached to his office like the Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas), Management Information System (MIS), and Provincial Information Office (PIO).
Earlier, Vice Governor Joseller Guiao said the use of the Office of the Governor's funds for the attached units was a form of "technical malversation."
Panlilio said in his letter that the agenda for the special session he is requesting would include the supplemental budget request and the 2008 Annual Investment Plan.
The PB, however, pointed out that the governor should have certified which of his requests is urgent. Garbo said he has seen no urgency in the letter submitted by the province's chief executive.
"He should have stated the urgency of his request and which specific concern. The time and date should have also been stated," Garbo added.
Board Member Rolly Macalino moved for a motion returning the letter of the priest-turned-governor. He, however, clarified that holding a special session does not guarantee the approval of certain requests, adding that all would still undergo the usual procedures.
