No quorum in final PB session

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board yesterday failed to hold its last session for the current term for failure to have a quorum as only four members, all allies of One Cebu Party, were present.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who was supposed to preside the last session after six months of being acting governor because of the suspension of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, was also absent due to health reasons.

 Magpale’s executive assistant, Basiliso Sungcad Jr.,  wrote to Provincial Secretary Aniceta Pasaylo that the vice governor was scheduled for executive medical check-up yesterday upon her doctor’s advice.

Daan presided the session but immediately declared it adjourned as only PB Members Alex Binghay, Sun Shimura and Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. were present.

“Historical kining ending session sa 12th Sanggunian nga wa ma-quorum,” Daan told reporters.

The PB was supposed to honor outgoing members Sergio Restauro and Caesar Ian Geronimo Zambo, who both lost in the last election, as well as Wilfredo Caminero who won the congressional seat of the second district.      

“Humana sad ang akong katungdanan, as acting vice governor, natapos na ang tanan,” said Daan who got reelected.

Daan said that the honoring of the three outgoing members maybe done during the inaugural session of the next PB.

Magpale’s son, PB Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, was on official business.

PB Member Jude Thaddeus Sybico attended a consultative meeting in Sogod town while his cousin, PB Member Carmen Remedios Meca was asked by her father, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, to preside the budget consultation being the vice-chairperson of the committee on finance of the City Council.

Meca is an ex-officio member of the PB being the president of the Philippine Councilors League – Cebu chapter.

PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr. attended the oath taking of his wife, Vice Mayor Mildred Lagbas, in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental.

Caminero was on official business while his son, PB Member Aladin Wilyamie Caminero, who represents the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, was on sick leave.

Restauro was on vacation leave since May 27, 2013 while Zambo was on official business.

Those who did not send a formal letter for their absence were PB members Peter John Calderon, Thadeo Ouano and Arleigh Jay Sitoy.

The PB secretariat said they just asked permission verbally. (FREEMAN)