Anonymous Animosity
Too much of anything is excessive; this is just my take on the alleged second session in a day done by certain members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Panay recently.
But before we even get to my opinion, here’s some background information.
SB Member Paolo Besa called for the adjournment of the session last January 31 to make sure that the budget being submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) was being reviewed thoroughly and the details needed would be provided.
The SP found the proposed fund allocation as too generic. There was also a lack of funds for the municipal planning, assessor, treasurer, and engineering office heads.
It was reported that a different session was held allegedly by the group led by SB Rommel Arches on the same day to tackle the supplemental budget worth P28 million.
Besa said that as the P240 million budget is pending approval, the supplemental budget can’t be approved just yet. Also, supplemental budgets are usually processed during the last quarter of the year when it is deemed necessary.
Here’s my two cents: Per Section 52(c) of the Local Government Code, there can only be one session in one day, regardless if it is a special or a regular session. Per Section 52(d), for special sessions, there should be a written notice to be personally given to the SB member at least 24 hours before the special session is held.
I hope the subordinates who got involved in the alleged duplicate session would not get themselves into trouble. Nothing is wrong with wishing good things upon people.
