SP’s new minority councilors walk out of session anew
ACTING MAJORITY LEADER DADA ADJOURNS SESSION
CONTENDING that all acts of the new majority in the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod since November 5 are ultra vires and void ab initio — or beyond the scope of authority and has no legal effect — the depleted opposition again walked out of the session hall on November 19 shortly after Acting-Vice Mayor Librada Reyna prematurely declared a session adjournment while all of the business of the day in the agenda were yet to be taken up.
Councilor Jeslito Seen of the new majority refuted this, saying in a telephone interview, “Our acts are supported by laws and jurisprudence and we will continue legislating for the good of the city.”
The walkout happened just after Councilor Alvin Coquia read the opposition’s written manifestation, sidelining the day’s agenda prepared by the new majority that listed down two proposed ordinances and one proposed resolution to be tackled.
In their written manifestation, the new minority rejected the new majority bloc’s resolution temporarily closing Galvan and Zamora Streets for a Christmas Baratillo and Food Strip, but were in favor of some measures that will hasten the delivery of services by the administration of Mayor Belen Fernandez, clarifying that their group is not really against the mayor.
Nonetheless, the four remaining councilors of the seven-member opposition walked out with Coquia saying that his group cannot participate in an illegal act as the new majority lacks the number to establish a quorum and transact business, citing the Supreme Court decision in Zamora versus Caballero.
Councilor Michael Fernandez, the new majority floor leader, disagreed with Coquia and said that he personally read the facts relative to the SC decision in Zamora versus Caballero, which was referring to an SP member who was supposedly abroad but cannot show proof of travel, not a suspended councilor.
Fernandez further pointed out the legal opinion of Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Jonathan Lausen dated November 12, 2024, backs their assertion for a quorum as well as the Supreme Court’s decision in Avelino versus Cuena (83 Phil. 17), which in effect substantiates that the five members of the new majority can be considered the majority.
Councilor Jesuit Seen also noted that Lausen’s opinion was based on Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code. (Leonardo Micua)
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