Provincial Board defers passage of ordinance that adopts House Rules

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Provincial Board has deferred the passage of an ordinance that seeks to adopt House Rules in the conduct of inquiry into charges filed against public officials.

During their regular session last Monday, Board Member Victor Maambong asked for the deferment of the ordinance’s passage as there is a need for them to study it.

Maambong said his office has received a copy of the proposed ordinance only last Monday afternoon, and that he has no sufficient time to read it.

When he calendared the matter for discussion on Monday’s session last week, Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. said he furnished copy of his ordinance to his colleagues.

But Mondigo accepted the motion to defer the approval of the ordinance on second reading, agreeing to have it discussed further on the third reading during their regular session next week.

The PB committee on complaints and investigation is tasked to look into the two administrative complaints filed by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Marivic Garces and by General Services Office officer-in-charge Bernard Calderon against Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and his mother, Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot.

Garces and Calderon alleged that the municipal officials committed “gross negligence and dereliction of duty” for their failure to implement Capitol-initiated programs.

Since the committee needs specified procedural rules in looking into the complaints, the PB convened itself as committee of the whole that will look into the allegations.

“It can be noted that the Local Government Code and even the Rules of Procedures of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan do not provide for a clear-cut, definitive and comprehensive set of procedures in administrative investigation of such elective public officials,” Mondigo’s proposed ordinance said.

In his committee report, which was approved by the PB, Mondigo said his proposed ordinance would seek to establish rules that are “clear, detailed and comprehensive set of procedures.” – Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)