Expulsion of council member sought

A MUNICIPAL resolution signed by members of the Municipal Council of Burauen, Leyte was forwarded to the Provincial Board of Leyte recommending for the removal of their fellow member.

Sought to be expelled, per Municipal Resolution 2012-067 signed by the majority of the town council, was Councilor Holland Refuerzo for his unjustifiable continued and consecutive absences during their sessions.

The resolution also states that Refuerzo’s absences caused “gross negligence or dereliction of the duty being an elected official.”

Based on the record of the Burauen Municipal Council, Refuerzo had absences from July of 2010 to August of 2012. These absences were read by Majority Floor Leader Carlo Loreto during their session.

For 2010, Councilor Refuerzo was absent from October 27, November 3, 10, 17 and 24. In 2011, he was allegedly absent in March 16, 23 and 30; April 6, 20 and 27; May 4 and 11; August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 31; September 5, 12 and 19; October 3, 10, 17 and 24.

For this year, Refuerzo was allegedly absent in January 30; February 6, 13 and 26; March 5, 12, 19 and 26; April 2, 16 and 30; May 7, 14 and 21; June 11, 18 and 25; July 16, 23 and 30; and August 6 and 13.

A total of 46 absences were made by Refuerzo from year 2010 until this year, according to the council record.

Although the Provincial Board was asked to decide over the ordinance, Board Member Niccolo Villasin motioned that Refuerzo be provided with a proper time to answer the allegation against him.

“At least 10 days after he received a letter from our office, he should give us reply to this allegation,” Villasin said. Members of the Provincial Board agreed.

The municipal resolution was also referred to the blue ribbon committee for further study. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)