Talisay SP defers proposal that seeks permanent civil registrar

CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Talisay City council that are identified with the administration party have deferred the approval of a proposed resolution written by opposition City Councilor Romeo C. Villarante, which seeks to put a permanent head at the city civil registrar’s office. 

In yesterday’s session, Villarante, assistant chairman of the Committee on Laws and a lawyer by profession, asked Mayor Socrates Fernandez to appoint someone “qualified for the position of city civil registrar head.”

Since November 2011, the NSO has disapproved all petitions for the correction of names/clerical errors due to the “non qualification” of acting city civil registrar Emely Cabrera, who until now could not discharge the functions of her office.

But the majority of the members referred it to majority floor leader Rodi Cabigas. 

Under the council’s house rules, a member who has no committee chairmanship cannot sponsor a resolution, and if the member wishes to sponsor a resolution, it must be referred to a committee chairman prior its approval. 

This is why Villarante’s resolution was not acted upon and referred to a committee chairmanship. 

Aside from Villarante, two other opposition members, namely, Danilo Caballero and valeriano Ylanan, don’t handle committee chairmanships. 

“I give them one week to report and next session, it has to be acted upon,” Villarante told The Freeman when sought for comment. 

Villarante said the vacancy of the position in the civil registrar’s office causes extreme delay in correcting entries in birth certificates, needed for travel, board examinations, and other purposes. 

At least two concerned constituents in Talisay attended the session yesterday presumably to give them the opportunity to ask Mayor Fernandez why the city has failed to appoint a permanent city registrar. 

Cabrera, then Human Resource Officer, was installed as acting city registrar June last year following Atty. Gemma Ladion’s resignation, via Fernandez’s appointment and with the council’s approval.

The duty of the city civil registrar is authorized under Republic Act No. 9048, entitled “An Act Authorizing The City Or Municipal Civil Registrar Or The Consul General To Correct A Clerical Or Typographical Error And/Or Change of First Name Or Nickname In The Civil Register Without Need Of A Judicial Order, Amending For This Purpose Articles 376 and 412 of The Civil Code of the Philippines.”

Cabrera’s appointment is still, however, pending in the CSC national office after Febritt Cabañero, Ladion’s second in command, petitioned the agency, saying she is qualified for the position.

Cabrera said she began working for the city government when Talisay was still a municipality in 1991, which means she has the qualification.

Cabrera said although her appointment has not yet been concurred. (FREEMAN)