Talisay Officials Set Up Responsibility Turnover

As early as now, Talisay City officials, both incoming and re-elected, and whose term of office begins July 1, are preparing for the smooth turn-over of responsibilities.

In the City Council, for example, Councilor Romeo Villarante, who was elected as vice mayor last May 13, is set to have his first try as presiding officer in the next week’s session.

This was set after outgoing Vice Mayor Alan Bucao and his second in command, the president pro-tempore Councilor Eduardo Gullas III have filed for leave of absence on that day.

As per their House Rules, in the absence of the presiding officer, the president pro-tempore takes over. And since, the second in command in the Council will also not be around on Tuesday next week, the majority floor leader or the majority bloc will decide among themselves who will take charge of the session. But to give Villarante a glimpse of what his role would be in the next three years, majority floor leader Rodi Cabigas said they would let him preside next week.

“It’s a collegial decision. We all agree to let him preside kay mahimo naman siyang vice mayor karon July. Mura’g practice niya,” Cabigas said.

For his part, Villarante admitted it is going to be a “lonely place” when he sits as presiding officer soon. Villarante is the only one of the four of his party-mates who made it to the Council.

Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor and incoming City Councilor Socrates Fernandez has also enjoined his successor Johnny V. Delos Reyes to his weekly department heads meeting to give the former a practice of his task ahead.