THE Bacolod City Council amended its internal rules to impose disciplinary actions against its misbehaved members.
The amendments, authored by Councilors Caesar Distrito, Renecito Novero and Ana Marie Palermo, was approved during the regular session on Monday.
Distrito said one of the salient amendments for the disciplinary sanctions is the definition of disorderly behavior which is committed when one of its members inflict verbal or physical pain, harm or threat against a fellow member, staff or any person inside the premises of the SP Session Hall, which includes, challenging a fist fight, a duel or any similar or related acts.
“The body agreed that for disorderly behavior, a member can be suspended for not more than 60 days by a vote of at least two-thirds of all Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) members with the effect of barring the member to participate in the City Council deliberations and forfeiture of salary during the period,” he said.
On September 12, Councilor Claudio Puentevella was reprimanded and excluded on their regular session after hitting his fellow councilor, Dindo Ramos.
Distrito said they also agreed to impose a sanction of expulsion for any member who has incurred more than four consecutive session absences by a vote of two-thirds of all SP Members.
He said they also included in the amendments the restrictions to be imposed in the session hall such as carrying of firearms and deadly weapon; wearing of shorts or slippers; standing in front of the railings; displaying of placards and streamers; taking pictures unless authorized; clapping or talking aloud; distribution of leaflets or other documents not coursed through authorized personnel; loitering; impropriety or inappropriate behavior; all mobile phones must be in silent mode; and use of radio.
“For these restrictions, the Presiding Officer or if the entire body agrees, may order the removal of the person from the session hall for his violation,” he added.