3 BOPK dads left out of chairmanships

CEBU, Philippines — Despite being returnees to the legislative table, three councilors — all from the minority bloc — were left out of committee chairmanships.

Nevertheless, they call upon the majority to continue supporting the administration of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.

During the recently concluded inaugural session, three members of the minority bloc were excluded from committee chairmanships, namely, Councilors Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, and Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa.

Both Arcilla and Andales are veteran legislators returning to office, while Abellanosa is a reelected councilor.

According to him, despite being a familiar name in legislation, the chairmanships were given to neophytes in BOPK — Councilors Nyza Archival, Michelle Abella, and Paul Labra.

"Duwa sad na nila, kasabot ko," Arcilla, Assistant Minority Floor Leader, said.

However, he emphasized that the three of them are trusted councilors of Mayor Archival, belonging to the same party. He added that they fully support the mayor’s agenda of making Cebu City number one again.

Arcilla further stressed that even during the campaign period, the programs aligned with this goal were already outlined. He cited, among others, the plan to enhance the city's scholarship system and the need to study further privileges for those taking board exams.

Arcilla also said that the outcome of the committee assignments no longer surprised him, noting that he had previously served terms as a minority councilor.

"Naanad nako ana. There's nothing wrong. Way sayop sila, except duwa sad to nila, sa ilang party guro," said Arcilla.

Despite this, Arcilla noted that Mayor Archival already gave them the green light to pursue their own initiatives in coordination with executive counterparts — particularly in sectors like farmers and markets — and within the committees they are now members of, including those they used to chair.

While Andales raised a question during the inaugural session regarding which party holds the majority, Arcilla said the motion is valid, considering that both KUSUG and BARUG currently have six members each.

However, Arcilla said that upon consulting the new majority bloc, he was informed that the parties had already merged.

"Kung imo sang tan-awon mao raman na silang partidoha before except lang naay bikil si Mike ug si Raymond," said Arcilla.

He admitted, however, that he doubted the merger will last, adding that some councilors within the majority bloc have already expressed support for the mayor.

Nevertheless, Arcilla said political party affiliations no longer matter at this point, as long as the legislative body is willing to support the administration.

Still, Arcilla acknowledged the possibility that the merger — and their position as minority — may affect the progress of Mayor Archival’s programs that require council approval.

"Ang sa ilang sad gurong tan-awon ang klase sa project nga i endorse sa mayor," said Arcilla.

According to him, the most crucial committees are the Committee on Budget and Finance and the Committee on Laws, as these will be instrumental in pushing the mayor’s programs and projects at City Hall.

With Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña calling for a meeting with all councilors, Arcilla appealed to the majority bloc to continue supporting Archival’s initiatives. So far, he added, most of them have expressed enthusiasm and commitment.

"Mura mag way linya sa politika ba kay kung naa mi didto sa gawas, mag kataw-anay raman mi," said Arcilla.

He revealed that the Office of the Mayor may soon submit a proposal for Supplemental Budget 1, which he hopes the council will approve.

As the proposal for next year's annual budget is expected to be filed soon, Arcilla said he trusted BOPK officials to propose a sound budget, in contrast to previous administrations.

"Kung pilay kwarta, mao rasad na ang budgetan, di ta mu budget og sobra...dili bloated ba," said Arcilla.

He added that the reported budget deficit during Archival’s term was a result of overbudgeting without sufficient cash backing. — /JG (FREEMAN)