Tension marks first Batangas provincial board session

BATANGAS, Philippines — The vice governor of Batangas and members of the provincial board reportedly engaged in a heated argument for more than five hours during the first day of the session on Monday.

The verbal exchange broke out between Vice Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, who presided over the session, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan allied with Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.

Mandanas defeated Santos-Recto’s son, Luis Manzano, in the vice gubernatorial race in May.

Santos-Recto has the support of the majority of the board members.

The tension started when the board discussed matters pertaining to internal rules and procedures.

Mandanas reportedly opposed several times a motion of board member Aries Emmanuel Mendoza to immediately approve the new internal rules and procedures even as other members have yet to receive a copy of the document.

Board member Emilio Francisco Berberabe Jr. reportedly accused Mandanas of manipulating the session and trying to avoid putting the matter to a vote or allowing the majority to decide.

Mandanas maintained his stance, insisting he was merely upholding the rule of law as provided under the Local Government Code.

Under the law, the committee has up to 90 days to amend, remove, appeal or add to the newly crafted internal rules and procedures.

The board later agreed to convene as a committee to further discuss the internal rules and procedures.