Davide decries limited role in PB

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III has been barred by the administration-dominated Sangguniang Panlalawigan from participating in session deliberations and from sponsoring resolutions.

Davide said that during his first few days in office as Vice Governor, he convened the members of the Provincial Board for their first meeting to forge and agree on their house rules. But the house rules crafted by the board restricted Davide from engaging in discourse through deliberations. This also includes his right to sponsor resolutions and to deliver privilege speeches.

According to Davide, although he was not in complete agreement to the rule, they agreed upon it as they did not have much time for discussion because the meeting was held on the same day as Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s inaugural address.

Davide said the Local Government Code is silent on the other roles of the presiding officers.

Section 29 (a), Chapter 3 of the Local Government Code states that “the vice-governor shall be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan; the city vice-mayor, of the sangguniang panlungsod; the municipal vice-mayor, of the sangguniang bayan; and the punong barangay, of the sangguniang barangay. The presiding officer shall vote only to break a tie,”

He says he interprets the silence not as a limitation to his power as presiding officer and as Vice Governor but merely a laying down of duties.

Davide also added that this rule was agreed upon by the board on the grounds of impartiality. He contested, saying he does not believe his participations in the deliberation will hinder his impartiality.

“Para nako, I think I should also not be deprived of my right to speak my mind on any matter, an issue that may arise,” Davide said, adding that he also represent the Cebuanos.

“I would like my opinions to be heard also,” Davide said.

He confirmed that he will take efforts to defer the established house rule in the right time. This is the first time a Vice Governor in the Province of Cebu has been deprived of the right to participate in the deliberations.

Davide only have six political allies out of the 17-member Provincial Board. FPL (FREEMAN)