Majority Moves Final Chairmanships

After presenting the committee chairmanship and membership to the council last July 1 during its inaugural session, the council has moved to approve the said agenda on its first regular session on July 10, Wednesday.

The nomination of the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons and members of the different standing committees for 2013-2016 was made final by the majority of the council which was moved by councilor Margarita Osmeña, the majority floor leader, and seconded by councilor Sisinio Andales.

However, minority floor leader Mary Ann de los Santos asked Vice-Mayor Edgar Labella, the new presiding officer, to take the first privilege speech of the session, followed by assistant minority floor leader Dave Tumulak. Both were not affiliated to any of the 24 standing committees of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cebu City as presented by Osmeña.

In her speech which she described as “personal and collective privilege,” de los Santos expressed her desire to chair a committee close to her heart. She also stressed the fact that as one of the elected officials in the city, each is equally competent thus every council member should be given a committee either to chair, vice-chair or even be part of the membership.

North district councilor Alvin Dizon reacted to de los Santos speech saying that they are not barred from overseeing all committees, and are still part in sponsoring local legislations such as passing resolutions and ordinances. Still, he insisted that the decision of the majority should be upheld.

Osmeña also confirmed Tumulak’s claim that he was asked during their first caucus meeting regarding a committee that he might be interested of. She said that the list passed is already the result of that query during their informal caucus meeting with only five attendees prior to the inaugural session.

If given the chance, de los Santos wanted to be part of the committee on health, hospital, services, and sanitation which she believes is the basic foundation of a growing city. Tumulak is also interested in chairing the social services or peace and order committee.

Despite their non-inclusion of any committee, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is planning to involve Tumulak on social services matters and as point-person for the Quick Response Team, while de los Santos could be part of the development planning concerning Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and City Health Department (CHD). (Gessa Gunhuran, PIO Staff)