By Farah G. Decano

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Atty. Jason Mejia, a L-NU College of Law alumnus, for clinching the presidency of the IBP Pangasinan Chapter last weekend.  His triumph did not surprise me at all because his relations with fellow lawyers have always been on the level.  He certainly treats his colleagues in the profession with such great care and respect.

Being an IBP Chapter President takes more than being gracious to fellow lawyers.  The position requires the guts to turn down friends with selfish requests and the courage to stand your ground against the shameful pressures of the powers that be.

When I was IBP Chapter President, I did not succumb to the incentives and freebies offered by those who intended to seize power in levels other than local.  Because I already had etched a name for myself before I became Chapter President, I could not gamble away the reputation I worked so hard for.  I simply decided not to be the pawn of anybody.  I felt that there was no need for me to ride on someone else’s influence or wealth and simply relied on my conscience for guidance.

Atty. Jason was not an unknown before he bagged this IBP Prexy post.  A businessman whose family owns several gas stations in Pangasinan, he has held prestigious civic club positions before.  He also became President of the Rotary Club of Dagupan East.    I am confident that Atty. Jason won’t trash his glorious achievements in favor of fleeting convenience.  He can definitely be his own man as he performs the role of IBP Chapter President.

May God bless your presidency, Atty. Jason!

*          *          *          *

Let me tackle Vice Mayor Brian Kua’s alleged failure to conclude the session after the motion to adjourn by one of the majority faction members of the City Council was duly seconded. This happened when Mayor Belen T. Fernandez made a surprise appearance at the Sangguniang Panlungsod regular session.

A motion to adjourn is not a debatable motion. Once an objection is made to the said move, the option of the presiding officer should be to divide the house.  

Knowing that to divide the house would mean the triumph of the movers for adjournment and the consequent disrespect of Mayor Belen Fernandez who then had the floor, VM BK chose to ignore the motion.

I am with VM BK on this controversy.  Internal rules of a legislative body aim to promote order and respect for colleagues.  They must be interpreted with this purpose in sight. It should not be weaponized in order to inflict vendetta against anyone.

 Gentlemen and ladies of honorable positions are expected to conduct themselves above board at all times regardless of the behavior of others. Cutting and shaming the person who holds the highest local government position, who also was extending her hand in reconciliation, is definitely beneath the dignity of their offices.

I remember when Chief Justice Renato Corona was allowed to read his speech before the Impeachment Court led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.  The former magistrate also seized the privilege that was given to him and controlled the floor beyond the time allocated for him.  Though the presiding officer called the Chief Justice’s attention around three times to terminate his speech, the former respected  the latter’s  right to speak and allowed him to finish his manifestation.   Such was the Senate President’s respect and due regard to a co-equal. 

Similarly, Mayor Belen’s presentation before the Sanggunian did not deserve drastic actions.  Her extended speech was all about her plans for the city which the public should be interested in.  As to why the majority faction is disinterested to know her plans is beyond me. 

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