Malonzo to attend council session

Caloocan City Councilor Christopher "PJ" Malonzo said yesterday he will still attend the session of the Sangguniang Panglungsod scheduled today despite the violence that marred his first appearance at the session hall last week.

Malonzo was prevented from entering the session hall by supporters of his father’s political rival and incumbent Caloocan Mayor Recom Echiverri.

In a statement, the young Malonzo said he would just let the incident pass. He assured the public that his supporters would not retaliate.

"I will not be provoked. I told my supporters to remain calm. And I also told them that I will just attend the session to fulfill my obligations to the people of Caloocan and to my party that bestowed its trust on me," he said.

The 24-year-old councilor urged those opposed to his appointment to go to the proper forum.

Last week, when Malonzo managed to get inside the session hall, the presiding officer immediately announced a recess. Subsequently, the lights inside the building were turned off.

He explained that all the requirements provided for in the Local Government Code with regards to the filling up of a permanent vacancy at the Sangguniang Panglungsod were amply satisfied.

He said the Local Government Code states that in case of permanent vacancies in the Sanggunian where automatic successions do not apply, it shall be filled by the appointment to be made by the President, through the Executive Secretary.

This provision applies in the case of Sangguniang Panglalawigan and Sangguniang Panglungsod of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities, he said.

Malonzo said that those opposed to his appointment may try to elevate the case the court or another forum.

"In the meantime, they should respect the rule of law and allow me to do my job until the proper authority on the matter rules otherwise," he said.

Malonzo is filling up the vacancy brought about the death of partymate Councilor Eduardo Rosca.