LINGAYEN–Finally, rules have been laid down for the future adoption of “sons and daughters of Pangasinan”.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is now reviewing an ordinance for a set of adoption guidelines after the recent controversy over the adoption of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno as ‘son of Pangasinan’. Some members of the provincial board questioned the propriety of making Puno an adopted son of the province considering that he had just announced his bid for the vice presidential race in the May 2010 elections.

The adoption was also timed for a scheduled visit of Puno to the province two weeks ago.

Board Members Alicia Pulido and Jeremy Agerico Rosario said the adoption that was put forward by Vice Mayor Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, chair of the SP, was tainted with political color.

Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., who spoke against “indiscriminate adoption moves”, drafted the adoption guidelines, which is now under review by the board.

Among the provisions listed on who are qualified for ‘adoption’ are:

– only natural living persons, local or foreigner, who have lived exemplary and reputable lives and made exceptional and extraordinary contributions  that redounded to the general welfare and benefit of the province or any of its local government units;

– those who have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude or other offenses with penalties of more than six years of imprisonment; and

– those (not) related to any member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan within the fourth degree of consanguinity of affinity.

Further, an adoption could not be undertaken within 90 days before any political elections.

The current board has so far approved the adoption of business tycoon Lucio Tan for donating a school building in a university in Dagupan, and the delegates of DaVita/Bridge of Life Foundation which donated 15 dialysis machines to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital.#

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