CEBU, Philippines - Records show that of the 13 legislators in the Talisay City Council, only Councilors Rodi Cabigas, Dennis Basillote, Romeo Villarante, and Danny Caballero have perfect attendance starting from July 13, 2010 to December last year.
A report of the office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod revealed that of the 13 legislators, Cabigas, Basillote, both of the administration bloc, Villarante and Caballero, both of the opposition, attended the sessions incurring no leave of absence.
First-term Councilor Eduardo Gullas III recorded the highest number of absences for the same period with 17 session days.
The absences indicate the 20-year-old councilor was on sick leave, and was on a special leave for two days.
No reasons were given for the remaining session days that Gullas was absent.
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Carmel John Burlas, for his part, incurred 13 absences in the council session.
He was on sick leave for five days, and on two occasions he was on official business.
He also listed three special leave dates and one official leave.
Burlas missed two sessions without giving a reason for the absences.
Councilor Bernard Odilao, meanwhile, listed eight absences during this time. Four of these were on a special leave, while two were sick leave.
On one occasion, he was out for an official business.
Odilao also missed one session day for unknown reason.
Presiding officer and Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, Councilor Choy Aznar and Association of Barangay Councils President Charles Basillote, for their part, incurred three absences each. Bucao was on vacation leave and missed the sessions on October 23, November 8, and November 15, 2011. Basillote was on sick leave for three days, while Aznar was on an official business for one day, and is listed as sick on two sessions.
Opposition Councilor Val Ylanan and Councilor Edward Alesna incurred two absences each.
Ylanan took one sick leave and a special leave, while Alesna was also on sick leave for one session day, and his other absence had no reason.
Councilor Semy Cabuenas was absent once, which he listed as a special leave.
The report was signed by Ghea Christy dela Ostia, SP secretary-designate. (FREEMAN)