THE chronic absenteeism of members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod has turned from bad to worse.

This was gleaned from record of attendance of the city aldermen from January 9 to July 10 this year, a copy of which was obtained by the PUNCH.

The city council scheduled 23 regular sessions over the period stated, but 10 sessions were adjourned for lack of quorum. There were two special sessions called, but one was adjourned for lack of quorum. 

The record shows that Councilor Teofilo Guadiz III was again top absentee with 12 unexcused absences, 1 “on-leave” (OL) and 2 “on-sick leave” (OSL), or attended only 10 of 25 scheduled regular and special sessions.

He is followed by Councilor Librada Reyna with 10 unexcused absences, 1 OSL and 2 official businesses (OBs).

Absences listed as “Official business” are not counted because the officials are presumed to be out of town relative to their official functions as officials of the city.

Councilor Charise Perez registered 8 unexcused absences and  2  OBs, while Councilor Eric Muñoz with 7 unexcused absences, 3 OLs and 2 OBs, followed by Michael Fernandez with 7 unexcused leaves, 1 OL and 3 OBs.

Councilor Luis Samson Jr. registered 7 unexcused absences and 2 OLs, while Councilor Danilo Torio with 4 unexcused absences and 4 OBs.

Councilor Nicanor Aquino had 7 unexcused absences; Councilor  Alex de Venecia, 6 unexcused absences and 1 OB, while Councilor Farah Decano, 5 unexcused absences, 1 OL and 1 OB.

Councilor Vladimir Mata had 3 unexcused absences and 3 OLs, followed by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo with 2 unexcused absences and one OL.

Guadiz’s status as a councilor was already questioned in his previous term for his frequent absences. A provision in the Local Government Code provides for the removal of a councilor who has been absent consecutively in regular sessions. The action on his termination or suspension, however, by the city council was suspended reportedly on the direction of Mayor Benjamin Lim.

The city council has since been mum about the outcome of the investigation on Guadiz’s absences.

At presstime, neither the city council nor the local office of the Department of  Interior and Local Government has indicated it will move against habitual absentee councilors.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor and SP presiding officer Alvin Fernandez had one OL and one OB. He was not able to preside the session for three consecutive Mondays from June 19 to July 3 because he was the acting mayor.

There is no record of the number of times that Mayor Benjamin Lim went on leave this year.

After failing to convene for two consecutive Mondays due to lack of quorum, the SP finally mustered a quorum last July 10. – AQL

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