MISAMIS Oriental Provincial Board Member Gerardo Sabal questioned the memorandum issued by Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar “Jigjag” Pelaez that allegedly runs counter with the internal rules of the Provincial Board or Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
While the Provincial Board recognizes the administrative functions of the vice governor over the SP employees, Sabal said Pelaez and the rest of the board members are co-equal when the board is on session.
Sabal said there are aspects on the memorandum that do not follow what is stipulated in the internal rules.
“Section 50 of the Local Government Code it provides that the SP is allowed to formulate its own set of internal rules for as long as it is approved by the majority of its members. We just want that to be followed because our internal rules was approved unanimously including the VG but why is he not following what was agreed upon by everybody,” Sabal said.
Sabal said the vice governor should have presented or consulted the body if he wants amendments in the internal rules.
He said they were surprised with what he described as “unprofessional” act of the capitol’s second highest official.
“This has not happened before. He should present it to the body kung naa iyang gusto nga changes dili kay unsa iyang gusto maoy dayon matuman,” Sabal said.
On January 30, Pelaez issued a memorandum directed to “all concerned” on the guidelines on proper decorum during sessions and committee meetings and hearings.
Stipulated in the memorandum is the “No ID, no Entry Policy” which means all attendees from other offices and agencies must leave a copy of their IDs and register their names before entering the session hall.
Also, only the official and authorized SP personnel shall be allowed to cover the proceedings of the session and committee meetings.
However, the memorandum emphasized that media personnel shall be allowed to use their equipment, but not to position them inside the plenary area.
Reporters or media entities may also ask in writing for a copy of the coverage of the proceedings from the vice governor indicating the purpose of the request.
The memorandum also stated proper attire, seating assignment, turning off or putting off cellular phones on silent mode, and behavior inside the session hall.
Violators shall be warned and asked to leave the hall.
Sabal said the majority vehemently object Pelaez’s move as it runs counter to what is provided in the internal rules.
“We recognize the administrative authority of the Vice Governor over the SP employees but the vice governor should also remember that all members are co-equal. We recognize that he is the chair during sessions but he should also recognize that all members of the provincial board are equal,” Sabal said.