VM Lim’s power clipped by his own past rule
A DOSE of his own medicine.
This might as well be the case as the Comprehensive Set of Internal Rules of Procedures prepared by the majority of the past Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) headed by then Councilor Brian Lim, now vice mayor of Dagupan and chairman of the SP, was adopted en toto by the current legislative body.
The adoption of the rules of the past legislative body was moved by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo and seconded by Councilor Alfie Fernandez who now comprise the new majority of the Dagupan SP during the first session last July 1.
The other members of the majority are Councilors Maybelyn Fernandez, majority floor leader; Karlos Reyna, presiding pro tempore; Jeslito Seen, chairman of finance; Marvin Fabia, chairman on public works and utilities; and Joaquin Reyes, chairman on barangays affairs.
The members of the minority are Councilors Redford Erfe-Mejia, minority floor leader; Guillermo Valejos, assistant minority floor leader; Jesus Canto, chairman on health; Alvin Coquia; and Chester Gonzales, Sangguniang Kabataan chairman.
The old rules, initiated by Lim, clips the powers of the presiding officer, which at the time of the passing was, in fact, intended against then Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, now mayor of Dagupan.
PROVISIONS
Rule 3 (h) of the Internal Rules, pertaining to the presiding officer, states: “To make brief remarks, comments, or clarificatory questions on any measure pending deliberation by the body provided that he or she shall not express himself either for or against the said measure or question”.
Rule 6 (committees) also provides: “Any member of the sanggunian, other than the Vice Mayor, may recommend the creation or reorganization of any regular or standing committee. The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall act on the recommendation subject to the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present, there being a quorum.”
At the same time, Section 17 (RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS) (b) states: “The Vice Mayor shall neither be a member, Vice Chairman, nor Chairman, of any standing or special committees”.
As regards to the members of the minority, Section 17 (d) applies to them: “No member shall participate in the committee’s deliberations whenever he or she has a direct or indirect personal or pecuniary interest on the matter being handled by that committee”.
At the same time, Section 19. (COMMITTEE MEETINGS) states: “As a general rule, only committee members shall attend a committee meeting unless a majority of the members thereof decide to allow other persons to be present especially invited resource persons or consultants”.
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