PB absences not under DILG’s jurisdiction

CEBU, Philippines - It will be the Office of the President to address complaints, if there are any, on the cancelled Provincial Board sessions due to the lack of quorum due to absences by most board members.

This was according to Department of Interior and Local Government-7 Regional Director Ananias Villacorta who said that they cannot call the attention of the PB members for reportedly failing to hold their weekly session last Monday after most of the members were absent.

Most of the PB members who were not present excused themselves to attend official business in their respective districts.

With the campaign period having started though, concerns on the presence of incumbent officials, especially those seeking reelection, are being raised. Acting Governor Agnes Magpale earlier assured that apart from the four-day caravan that they had to kick off the local campaign, she will make sure that she will be in her office and that no provincial operations will be hampered.

Villacorta said that they do not have the ‘disciplining authority’ over the PB and in case someone will file a complaint on the absence of the PB members, it should be directly addressed to the Office of the President.

Based on Section 61 of the Local Government code, “a complaint against any elective official of a province, a highly urbanized city, an independent component city or component city shall be filed before the Office of the President.

Villacorta said that although the PB will have their own house rules which cover absences and the penalties, he said that it would be understandable as well if members of the board go on campaigns.

He said this would be understandable as long as priority or urgent resolutions are not held pending.

Ferdinand Gujilde, Commission on Elections officer, said they also do not have any hold on the matter but advised that incumbent officials who are running for the coming election should not forget their responsibilities amid the campaign period.

“Duty first,” Gujilde said.

Acting Governor Magpale said that the absence of the board members due to campaigning should not be allowed, but she is confident the board will make up for the lost time.  –(FREEMAN)