Some questions on Sinulog board

A senior citizen friend called to ask if I have been made a part of the city’s new thrust of controlling the Sinulog. He might have been enthused because the festivity ranks among the grandest in our country and being part of it is something. His call though was a complete surprise because we have not met for years. My friend sounded ecstatic but since I did not know what he was talking about, I simply said “no” enough to dampen his spirit.

The other day, a local newspaper screamed a story that I thought had something to do with the unexpected call of my friend. It was reported that Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, created the Sinulog Governing Board. My friend might have imagined that I was designated to be a part of the said board. I could only laugh at his misplaced conjecture because, truth to tell, I have no more interests in socially fancied undertakings. I rather devote time planting trees. Just the same, I secured a photo copy of such directive of the mayor and my senses got stirred.

 The document that I got is entitled “An Executive Order Creating The Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board And Specifying Its Functions Thereof.” It is signed by the mayor. I believe that this is the same document on which the newspaper based its report. But the copy that I obtained firstly does not have a number assigned to it. In its form, it is odd. Executive Orders, in their nature, are also considered laws and when they are published, they are given numbers. Secondly, It is likewise not dated. We will never know when this order was issued.  Why the office of Mayor Labella is rather careless as to allow the release of an important document that seems to be tainted escapes me. Well, it could also be possible that only the copy that I secured is without number and date and all other copies were complete in materials particular, to borrow a term used in Negotiable Instruments.

Mayor Labella ordered the formation, organization and creation of the Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board. In section 4 of the said Executive Order, among the enumerated functions of the board is to “organize the Sinulog Festival”. It seems that it will now be the city government to handle the Sinulog. From now on, the Sinulog, according to Mayor Labella’s order, will apparently be a city government activity and no longer that of the private Corporation, called Sinulog Foundation Inc.

This is where I am worried. A legal issue is brewing. The Sinulog has always been an undertaking of the private sector. Such concept was (and it continues to be) to insulate it from politics. Principally for the purpose of holding this extravaganza, the Sinulog Foundation Inc., was incorporated. I am shown a Securities and Exchange Commission certificate of registration no. 132755, indicating that this foundation was recognized as of July 25, 1984. The original Board of Trustees was composed of Florentino Solon, Ronald Duterte, Ramonito Durano III, Paterno Lu Ym, Sr., Esteban Go Sing King, Francisco Benedicto, Augusto Go, Joseph Gaisano, Lim Liu, Segundino Go, Anos Fonacier, Jose Garcia, Amando Martinez Jr., and Jose Lardizabal. There is no question that these men including those who have crossed the barrier are honorable people willing to share their wealth and time for our city. Thus, ever since, the foundation managed and organized the Sinulog. The city government provided support only. Unfortunately, this situation is poised to change with the issuance of the EO.

Another worrisome provisions of the mayor’s Executive Order read: “As a policy determining and regulatory body, the Board shall oversee the Sinulog Foundation, Inc.”. There is a legal issue proceeding from this provision. How can the Board, a creation of the city government, oversee or even regulate the Foundation when the latter is not a city government agency? This “oversight” function grows to be a monster when the Board is empowered to “review and approve all resolutions and actions of the Foundation”. To me, this legal formulation is flawed.

Before these issues throw any monkey wrench on our Sinulog and imperil this world renowned festival, I suggest that the legal minds in the office of the mayor take a second look at this order.