Minor council revamp eyed to accommodate Garganera

CEBU, Philippines — With the expected proclamation today of returning Councilor Joel Garganera, the ruling Partido Barug-PDP Laban is looking at the possible minor revamp in the committee chairmanships and memberships to accommodate the incoming member.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama, president of Partido Barug, however, said they still have to check with their house rules if the reorganization is allowed.

“We still have to look into it kay we have not discussed it during our caucus (meeting). We don’t want to end up abusing. We have to be fair with our internal rules,” Rama told The FREEMAN.

Garganera, who ranked 10th in the last elections, is set to be proclaimed today to replace Councilor Sisinio Andales whose candidacy was cancelled by the Commission on Elections en banc.

The proclamation is set at 3 p.m. today by the Special City Board of Canvassers of the North District of Cebu City in Comelec Manila.

The Comelec En banc earlier granted the petition of Allen Canoy seeking to disqualify Andales and former councilor Alvin Arcilla for having served three consecutive terms already. Canoy claimed that Andales and Arcilla are constitutionally barred from seeking reelection.

Andales placed fifth in the May 13 elections with 106,185 votes while Garganera landed on the 10th spot with 96,561 votes while Arcilla placed sixth in the last elections with 104,476 votes. Arcilla was also replaced by Councilor Jerry Guardo who was on the ninth spot with 99,115 votes in the last elections.

The Comelec en banc issued the writ of execution after Andales and Arcilla failed to secure temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court. If the rules allow, Rama said he is willing to give the chairmanship of the committee on environment and natural resources to Garganera who has been vocal of his measures to support the environment.

“We’re both to be in tandem on what ought to be done. Mao na among importante sa governance that the mayor…and we will be helping sa environment,” Rama said.

Rama said the majority bloc should take cognizant of the internal rules. That is why he has to discuss the matter with the members of the city Council.

Mayor Edgardo Labella, for his part, welcomed the return of Garganera since it is an addition to his allies in the legislative body.

“That would help us a lot. Although I said before hand that whether or not we are in the majority, I am confident that even those councilors from the other side are objective, are independent-minded. If it is a measure that would redound to the benefit of the people, I’m sure they will cooperate with us. But now that we are in the majority, it’s much easier,” he added.

Labella said his lawyers are also studying the decision of the Commission on Elections declaring Sherwin Luie Abella as nuisance candidate.

Sherwin got 20,262 votes in the last elections while Atty. Marie Velle Abella who filed the petition got 110,131 votes.

Labella hopes that the decision would not ease out his ally, Councilor Phillip Zafra, in favor of Abella. (FREEMAN)