ALLIES of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia not only rule the majority bloc of the Provincial Board (PB), but they will also chair most of the 28 standing committees.
There are 18 PB members, including Vice Governor Hilario Davide III who sits as presiding officer.
But Davide and his allies, PB Members Jose Mari Salvador (2nd district), Miguel Antonio Magpale (5th district), Jerome Librando (7th district) and ex-officio Member Iriving Gamallo (Philippine Councilors League Cebu president) did not get committee chairmanships, only membership of some standing committees.
An earlier report said the PB’s existing house rules have no provision that allows a presiding officer to chair a committee.
Section 8 of House Rule 2, however, states that the presiding officer shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees.
Former vice governor Agnes Magpale had chaired the tourism committee.
But the house rules can still be amended by the new PB.
Despite the development, Davide and his allies are unfazed, saying it will not hamper their mandate as public servants.
“I really don’t mind. When they had their meeting, I was not there. Their composition is they are the majority, so sila ang nagsabot-sabot (they had their own meeting). It’s fine with me. At least we were able to gather in the inaugural session,” Davide said.
Librando, who was president pro-tempore in the past three years, said they will focus on how to perform their duties and responsibilities well.
During their inaugural session Monday afternoon, July 1, 2019, the PB revealed its officers and the heads and members of its different standing committees. Most of the governor’s allies are leading two committees.
Because of her number one ranking, PB Member Yolanda Daan (1st district) will serve as president pro tempore.
The president pro tempore acts as the acting vice governor and presiding officer of the PB session in the absence of the vice governor, the official presiding officer.
PB Member Christopher Baricuatro (7th district) is the majority floor leader, while PB Member Horacio Paul Franco (4th district) is assistant majority floor leader.
Franco remains a member of the Liberal Party and does not have plans to jump ship. He also said he will act and decide with independence despite his political affiliation.
“I’ve always been the type to support (the ruling administration). The elections are over; we move forward. The people have spoken, so let’s focus on service,” Franco said.
In his inaugural speech, Davide urged his colleagues to continuously improve by calling for a consultation workshop that would help revisit the current workplan and make the legislative agends more “relevant, actionable and achievable.”
Garcia, for her part, gave the assurance that while they may not always agree on all matters of governance, she will respect the PB. (RTF)