Council bids farewell in final session

CEBU, Philippines — Unlike the often tense and spirited debates that marked their term, members of the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod shared a moment of warmth and gratitude in their final regular session on Wednesday, reflecting on their legislative journeys and bidding each other farewell.

During the session, the council formally honored outgoing Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, and outgoing councilors who completed their third terms—Councilors Joy Young, mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr., and Jerry Guardo—as well as outgoing councilors Rey Gealon, Noel Wenceslao, James Anthony Cuenco, Mary Ann de los Santos, and Jocelyn Pesquera.

Some councilors took the opportunity to deliver privilege speeches, with Majority Floor Leader Jocelyn Pesquera opening the reflections by highlighting her accomplishments, including authoring 116 ordinances and 2,400 resolutions.

Pesquera looked back on her legislative stint, admitting that some of it had been misunderstood. “I have not only as public servant but also as a person,” an excerpt of her speech reads.

“I stand before you with my integrity intact,” she added.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao also gave a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the camaraderie developed during their term.

“Thank you for the trust you placed in me. It has been a challenging but rewarding term as one of the Councilors of Cebu City North District,” he said, citing achievements as chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, chair of the Committee on Infrastructure, looked back on his nine-year service and key legislative efforts, including the One-Pole Ordinance, Green Parking Ordinance, Underground Cable Ordinance, and Sports-Athletes Incentive Ordinance.

Mayor-elect Nestor Archival, who served as Minority Floor Leader, also took the podium to express his gratitude as he transitions to a new role.

“As I now prepare for the transition from legislator to executive, from a councilor to mayor, I want you to know this, I may be leaving this council entitled, but I am not leaving the work of a legislator behind,” said Archival.

“Being a councilor teaches you to listen, really listen to the voices of our constituents,” he added, recalling how the robust debates reflected the health of the city’s democracy.

Archival also pledged to carry the lessons and camaraderie he gained in the council into his new role and vowed not to betray the public’s trust.

Vice Mayor Hontiveros, the session’s presiding officer, honored each member of the outgoing council in his own privilege speech. He looked back on his time as presiding officer as one of the most transformative experiences of his life.

Hontiveros emphasized the importance of consensus in governance and praised the collective work of the council.

“Thank you my dear colleagues, it has been an honor working alongside each of you, until we meet again,” he said.

The term of the 16th City Council officially ends on June 30, as a new set of legislators takes over on July 1, ushering in another chapter in Cebu City’s legislative history. — /ATO (FREEMAN)