ILLEGAL AND IRREGULAR. The four members of the minority in the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dagupan are now on the spot for taking advantage of the physical absence of all members of the majority in the session hall and of Mayor Belen Fernandez when they passed a controversial resolution welcoming the entry and operation of “Peryahan” by the e-company Global Tech Inc.

You see, with Mayor Fernandez and the four councilors belonging to the majority — Jose Netu Tamao, Alvin Cioquia, Dennis Canto and Marvin Fabia – in the United States and the acting mayor was Vice Mayor Brian Lim while acting vice mayor was Councilor Maybelyn Fernandez.

But Maybelyn was on official business in Manila, and so were Councilors, Jeslito Seen, and Marcelino Fernandez, all with the majority too.

So, that left only Councilors Chito Samson, Nicanor Aquino, Guillermo Vallejos and Redford Erfe Mejia, all belonging to the minority, inside the session hall that day.

Even if City Secretary Ryan Ravanzo certified the presence of a quorum based on the rules of the SP that council members on official business for the council are considered present, they (minority members) should have thought twice before passing the measure.

Though they may deny receiving ‘goodwill’ money from Global Tech for passing that resolution with none of the majority members physically present, they can not escape the suspicion they may have benefited from when they adopted the resolution all by themselves.

Another thing that would suggest that it was accomplished under dubious conditions was the fact that the proposed resolution was never part of the regular agenda but was merely inserted as part of the agenda during the session. Worse, the four approved only its appointed number and the acting presiding officer did not read the entire title of the resolution and only cited its number in violation of the rules of the SP.

My source said the irregular procedure made the resolution invalid.

No wonder Joel and Ike continue to gang up on the four councilors in their morning radio programs because they are not convinced the four did not benefit from it.

“Tell that to the marines,” said Ike who was told that the four did not get anything.  – Leonardo Micua

EXCEPTIONAL MAYOR. How many mayors actually go to their offices religiously from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday? How many keep their offices open, ready to welcome anyone sans prior appointment? How many have their positions written below their name on their desk plate “Public Servant”, instead of city or municipal mayor?

To all three questions, I only found positive responses in the performance of Mayor Amadeo G.E. Perez IV, or Mayor Bobom to his constituents.

For starters, one would not hesitate to go and see the mayor because the door to his office is wide open. One can see everyone who are there to see him.

Having an open office literally makes transactions or talks with the mayor fast because the mayor and his visitors are aware that many are waiting for their turn to see and talk to the mayor, too.

Having a punctual mayor, faithfully following Civil Service’s required time for office work, he leads by example. No wonder the city hall employees are punctual themselves. Siyempre nakakahiya naman kay Mayor. (Note: No female employee takes her time putting on make up like it is her first duty).

The old city hall is always clean and neat. “Nakakahiya kay Mayor kung makalat ka kasi ayaw niya ng may mga kalat.” a worker said.

And yes, I am very particular about restrooms. These are clean, and a janitor is always around to ensure their cleanliness. Sa ibang bayan, malayo ka pa lang, amoy na amoy mo na ang panghi ng CR. Worse, some think it’s ok to spit on the floors. Kadiri. But not in Urdaneta.

In Urdaneta, the employees are courteous to anyone they meet at the city hall. Tamang-asal para sa mga public servants.

All these continue even as Mayor Bobom is already on his third and last term. I must confess I visited him only once on his first term, never on his second term.

I can honestly say that I’m impressed in my recent two visits to the City Hall. I do hope this will remain forever in your clean city, Urdanetans! —Tita Roces

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