Talisay SP won’t meet next week

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council will postpone its regular session next week to pave way for the canvassing of votes of the May 13 midterm elections. 

In an interview with The Freeman, Vice Mayor Alan Bucao said he might instruct the city council secretary to cancel the regular session on May 14 since everybody will be busy waiting for the results of the election. 

Section 11 of Comelec Resolution 9648 stated that the canvassing of votes should be held at the session hall of a local government unit’s august body.

“I really doubt nga magka-meet mi sa members sa council kay basin gipangkapoy pa ang uban kay bag-o lang gyud mahuman ang election niini,” Bucao said.

Regular meetings of the city council are held every Tuesday but by putting off a session next week does not mean the council will not be able to accomplish the mandated four regular sessions every month.

An executive session can be counted as a regular session.

Bucao clarified the city council only hold sessions when the order of business is approved by the majority. He said they cannot entertain an order of business without the approval of the majority.

But he added that in accordance with the law, the council is still obliged to hold a session at least once a week. 

The Department of Interior and Local Government has reminded incumbent officials who are running for reelection especially those in the city council to continue holding their regular session.

Under the Local Government Code, it is mandatory for the city council to hold a session at least once a week.  (FREEMAN)