MISAMIS Oriental Vice Governor Joey Pelaez and newly-appointed Provincial Board Member President Elipe on Monday, October 22, got into a heated argument after the former refused to recognize Elipe as an official member of the Sanggunian.
During the weekly session, the Provincial Board secretary did not include Elipe's name during the roll call of the board members, a move opposed by Elipe and majority of the council members.
Pelaez said the Provincial Board should first seek clarification to the validity of Elipe's appointment before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Pelaez said a mere photocopy of Elipe's appointment is not enough to prove that the document is authentic. He said only will the SP recognize Elipe as a Board Member if the DILG says so.
"This is not a good environment to welcome Elipe, probably next Monday kung naa na ang papel from DILG next Monday then that is a better environment. Ayuhon nato nga dili photocopy, I just like to follow procedure. But his presence is duly noted," Pelaez said.
"Next Monday, we will have his speech, we can take pictures together, maybe even have a party when the DILG papers come," he added.
Pelaez said a document from the DILG is a requirement and has been practiced even then when Susan Lagbas was appointed as new Board Member, replacing her deceased husband.
Elipe for his part stands by the legality of his appointment and the authenticity of the paper. He said Special Assistant to the President Bong Go even brought the appointment documents himself when he visited here earlier this month.
Elipe sits as new member of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Board, replacing the late board member Mario Emano.
The SP finally ruled, through a motion by Board Member Gerardo Sabal, to recognize Elipe as a new Provincial Board member.