Talisay councilors override JVR’s veto

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism-related establishments in Talisay City will be required to regularly submit monthly statistics on visitors to the Tourism Division of the mayor’s office.

Ordinance No. 2014-15 passed by the City Council requires all government and private establishments to conduct regular reporting on visiting tourists.

Majority Floor Leader Richard Francis Aznar said majority of the councilors voted to override the veto of Mayor Johnny De los Reyes against the measure.

De los Reyes vetoed the ordinance after the City Council which is composed of councilors mostly from the opposition Alayon party approved it and submitted it to him for signing approval.

In his veto message, De los Reyes pointed out that the enforcement of standards and the collection of statistical data for tourism purposes was already designated to the Tourism Committee Officer, adding that it is not his task to conduct statistical recording of tourists who are visiting Talisay City.

“The enforcement of standards and the collection of statistical data for tourism purposes lies not on the Chief Executive Officer but on the Tourism Committee Officer,” De los Reyes said.

He said he already issued an Executive Order designating Councilor Aldin Diaz as tourism committee officer, whose task is to do recording of statistical data relating to tourism.

In 8-2 votes, majority of the councilors voted to override De los Reyes’ veto, citing that the ordinance is only in compliance with the existing laws that the city tourism officer or whoever is designated or appointed by the local chief executive, shall conduct “data solicitation, physical/actual survey, data collection and collation, focus group discussion and/or meetings, information, education and communications, strategic planning and trainings and workshops.”

Eight councilors are needed to override De los Reyes veto. Of the eleven councilors, seven of them belong to Alayon party, while four are De los Reyes’ allies.

Aznar said under the Local Government Code, an ordinance which was overridden by the majority of the councilor members takes effect even without the mayor’s approval.

The ordinance authored by City Councilor Doroteo Emit specifically covers all tourism accommodation establishments such as beaches, mountain resorts as well as theme and leisure parks. It also includes government and private establishments catering to day tourists such as museums, convention centers, sports centers, recreational centers and facilities, and travel agency operators. — Garry B. Lao/JRS (FREEMAN)