‘ALL is well that ends well.’ The heated dispute over the proposed committee reorganization of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan was, finally, resolved thru the sheer steering of Vice-Gov. Tita V. Baja, who presided over the regular session last Tuesday.
Baja, who assumed as vice-governor following the untimely demise of then Vice-Gov. Victor Balite, tried her best to calm the sea of anger among the opposing board members.
This ensued following the privilege speech of Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, proposing a Resolution, overhauling the committee composition, such as filling up the vacant committee positions, like chairmanship and members of the appropriations and tourism committees.
This got the ire of BM Atty. Vencenzo “Benjie” Arcamo, who counter-proposed to refer it to the committee of the Whole since there’s no ample time to discuss it during the session as it was almost 5 o’clock in the afternoon.
But Binlod insisted and move for the approval of his proposed Resolution and was seconded by BM Dr. Romulo Cepedoza.
BM Atty. Jamie A. Villamor supported Binlod’s move since this committee reorganization has already been discussed earlier. She told her colleagues during the recess that she wanted to resolve it now rather wait for another time.
She also reminded her colleagues of the decorum pursuant to their rules of procedures as some of the members seemed to forget to be recognized by the chair (Baja) before any comments may be allowed.
Vice-Gov. Baja has to control the anger of both sides and did not yet bang the gavel for its approval just to hear the voice of the minority. And she cannot just rule it or even call for a division of the house (voting on the proposed Resolution) since there was no objection from the opposing group of Arcamo.
She took the initiative to bang the gavel for three recess declarations just to resolve the gridlock.
And finally the opposing group appeared to have agreed to finish the unfinished business of reorganizing he committee makeup.
The highest policy-making body of the province finally approved Binlod’s proposal for the composition of the committees after over an hour of trading of ideas, arguments, insinuations and even threats of trouble during the recess.
Considered to be in the minority are BMs Arcamo, Vierna Mae “Mimi” Boniel, Aldner Damalerio and Dr. Elpidio Bonita. The ruling majority group are composed of Baja, Villamor, Binlod, Cepedoza, Tomas Abapo, Jr., Greg Jala, Lucille Lagunay, PCL ex-officio member Nick Besas and SK federated president Lawrence Xavier Ancla. (rvo)
