Villarante, 5 others post perfect record: Who are always absent in Talisay council sessions?

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and five councilors posted a perfect attendance in all council sessions since the day they started assuming the position last July.

This is based on the latest performance report of the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod taken from the secretariat office. The council has had 30 regular sessions and one special session from July to February 11, 2014.

A report from the Office of the City Council showed that Villarante and Councilors Danilo Caballero, Richard Francis Aznar, Dennis Basillote, Doroteo Emit and Antonio Bacaltos Sr. never had any of vacation leaves, sick leaves, special leaves and other excused absences.

City Councilor Eduardo Gullas III scored 15 absences including his sick leave and special leave. He was followed by then SKF president Carmel John Burlas with six absences. Both Gullas, the youngest city councilor in Talisay, and Burlas are college students. 

Former ABC president Charles Basillote had three absences while Councilors Aldin Diaz, Edward Alesna had two. Other recorded absences were that of Socrates Fernandez, Valeriano Ylanan and ABC president Raul Cabañero, who each had one.

In the last council session, Basillote passed a resolution asking the city council secretariat to furnish copy of the list of absences to the Department of Interior and Local Government for their proper guidance and information.

Basillote, belonging to the administration minority in the council, said that it is the duty of the people to know how the legislators perform their responsibilities by attending the council sessions.

In an interview, Gullas said he does not mind the resolution passed by Basillote saying that being absent in the session does not mean that he is longer doing his task as legislator or reaching out to the people of Talisay.

Former DILG Region 7 Legal Officer Danilo Almendras reminded incumbent officials that under the Local Government Code, it is mandatory for the city council to hold a session at least once a week.

Almendras said that councilors who continue to be absent in their weekly sessions could be reprimanded, or worse, face suspension.

The councilors who commit four consecutive and unexcused absences will be held administratively liable for their actions.

"In the case of sanggunian members, disorderly behavior and absences for four consecutive sessions without justifiable cause, subject sanggunian member may be censured, reprimanded, excluded from the session, or suspended for not more than 60 days, or expelled," said Almendras. (FREEMAN)