By Farah G. Decano

 

THE 2023 budget was finally enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod with a vote of 5- 4.  Allegedly, the five votes came from the minority councilors who are pro-administration, while the four came from the majority councilors who are aligned with the opposition.

The question is, if the opposition has seven councilors, which way did the other three go?

The public is aware of how the opposition, for many months, has guarded the passage of the proposed financial legislation like a trained military dog. They ensured that their numerical advantage is maintained every session because they know that the minority can easily pull a fast one anytime.  So why did the three anti-administration councilors suddenly disappear on session day?

This is the six million dollar question.

I was told that someone, whom the three absentee councilors could not say no to, interceded for the city.  Hence, instead of voting for the proposed budget ordinance, the three just allowed the minority to have their way.  If this is true, siopa kasi so angilagey ed baley?

Councilor Dada Reyna recently released her statement against the enactment of the 2023 budget ordinance.  She appears to be exasperated by its swift passage.  She was probably uninformed about the intended no-show of her three allies.

Given the same scenario wherein three of the seven opposition members did not appear on that fateful day, those who were present during the session could have hatched a strategy.  They could have asked one of their allies to vote along with the minority for purposes of filing a reconsideration.  According to Robert’s Parliamentary Rules, and assuming their internal rules did not provide otherwise, only the affirmative voters can ask for a reconsideration of an enacted legislation.

But that is not all that is needed to reverse the upset. The majority could have prevented the passed legislation from being transmitted to the Mayor’s Office for her signing and approval by requesting a special session immediately next day.  The agenda could have been the motion for reconsideration.  Hopefully, by that time, the absentees would have already been available to vote for the reconsideration, if indeed, their no-show was in good faith and unintended.

As of this writing, the enacted budget ordinance was already approved by the Mayor.  Looks like the minority knew their rules and did not want to leave the financial legislation to a possible recall.  As a strategy, the minority correctly rushed its transmission to the City Mayor’s office for its immediate signing of the Chief Executive.

There is no way that a reconsideration can be made now, even if the internal rules allow the filing of reconsideration by anyone.

With the 2023 budget approved, many people from all over Dagupan City are rejoicing. The government and job-order employees can now receive their proper compensation.  The scholars can start pursuing their dream academic programs once again.  Finally, the problem in many areas, including those that are still inundated, can be addressed.

Definitely,  the battlecry “Iyagel Su Baley” now rests on the Mayor’s able hands.

I foresee a lot of catching up by Mayor Belen.  A proven multi-tasker, the Chief Executive will not waste time dilly-dallying.  I advise the department and division heads to take their vitamins because the city government will surely be in full steam in the coming days.   The department heads will be swamped with so much work the way they were piled with projects during Mayor Belen’s previous terms from 2013 to 2019.

Slackers be warned!  #

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