AFTER the session on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, was adjourned for lack of quorum, a veteran councilor said the next majority floor leader of the 19th City Council should be a lawyer.
"With all due respect, lawyers should be. Because they know the rules. They know the law. The session will run smoothly," re-elected councilor Bonifacio "Boni" Militar told the media after the immediate adjournment of Tuesday's regular session last May 28.
The councilor adjourned the session when only 10 councilors showed up. The Davao city council has 28 members, which also includes the vice mayor, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative, Liga ng mga Barangay president, and the Sangguniang Kabataan representative.
The councilor did not mention any names as to who can become the majority leader. But whoever it will be, he will respect the decision of the majority.
Meanwhile, the incoming 19th council will welcome nine first-time councilors: Alberto Ungab, Diosdado Mahipus Jr., Louie John Bonguyan, Ralph Abella, Javi Campos, Che-che Justol, Pamela Librado, Jessica Bonguyan and Sweet Advincula.
Presidential son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte will also mark his first term as vice mayor.
Militar said he is willing to guide the neophyte councilors.
"I can guide them if they want to. They were voted by the people. We have to give due respect to that, even how young they are," he said.
"If they want guidance, I have prepared the necessary guidance based on my experience and educational background," he added.
Militar, being the longest-serving councilor in the city, said he had been approached by councilors, especially in times of problems and guidance in the council.
He also said that he is also willing to assist Baste. But he said Baste also needs to prepare for the vice mayor’s tasks.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said on Monday there are a lot of councilors who are potential for the position.
He mentioned re-elected councilor Melchor Quitain, Jr. as a potential leader.
Meanwhile, Dayanghirang said being a newbie in the city council should not be seen as a hindrance since everybody will undergo from it.
"What is very important is your commitment to serve with all honesty to the public," he said.