ON THE inaugural session of the 19th City Council, councilors moved to create new committees, rename them, and tried to set a dress code.
City Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr., moved to rename the committee on police, fire, and public safety to the committee on public order and safety.
Lao said this is to put emphasis that every law enforcement agency, not just the police and the fire department, should be included to maintain the peace and order of the city.
Lao also pushed for the creation of committee on disaster risk reduction which will focus the city's programs on disaster preparedness.
Lao also pushed for a more strict implementation of a proper dress code for city councilors. He said councilors should not arrive at the session hall wearing a "maong."
Councilor Roger Abaday for his part, want to create a committee that will focus on addressing the illegal drugs problem of the city.
Meanwhile, Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya remains the majority floor leader, and retained his committee chairmanships: economic enterprise, laws and rules, and planning and development. Lao was picked as the assistant majority floor leader and also heads the committees on energy and public utilities.
Councilor Edna Dahino was chosen as the Presiding Officer Pro tempore and still heads the committee on finance, budget, and appropriations and the women and family relations committee.
Councilor Zaldy Ocon is chairperson of the committee on fisheries and the public works committee.
Councilor Jay Pascual now holds the committee on agriculture as well as the tourism committee. Councilor Alam Lim is chairperson of the barangay affairs committee.
The committees on cultural committee and health is chaired by Councilor Ma. Lourdes Gaane, while the environment and cooperatives committees are headed by Councilor Eric Salcedo.
Councilor Reuben Daba meanwhile vacated the social services committee and now heads the ethics and blue ribbon committee. The committee on social services was given to new councilor Girlie Balaba, who also heads the labor and employment committee.
Councilor Roger Abaday now heads the committees of games and amusement and senior citizens.
Councilor Romeo Calizo remains the chair of the police, fire, and public safety committee and roads and traffic management committee.
The committee on subdivision and landed estate and urban and rural poor committee are chaired by City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas. The education committee and the new sister relations committee are chaired by Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba.
Councilor George Goking is still the chair of the ways and means committee and the trade and commerce. Councilor John Michael Seno holds the sports and youth development committee.
Councilor Bebot Rodriguez meanwhile is vice-chair of the committee on labor and employment while Councilor Lordan Suan, who formerly heads the ethics and blue ribbon committee, is now its vice-chairperson. (PJ Orias)