156 SESSIONS HELD. The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Iloilo pose for a photo after their 156th session on Tuesday afternoon (June 25, 2019). Lawyer Raul Tiosayco, secretary to the SP, said the 12th SP completed the required number of sessions of the Local Government Code and all were able to file their leave when away for official businesses during their term. (PNA Photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- Members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Iloilo have recorded 'zero absence' in all their 156 sessions required by the Local Government Code (LGC).
“Technically, nobody has been absent,” said lawyer Raul Tiosayco Jr., secretary to the SP, in an interview Wednesday.
All board members had been diligent in attending the sessions while some are able to secure leave permits when they were away on official business, he said.
There were board members unable to attend the sessions due to out of town seminars and conferences but this does not make them “lesser member of the SP,” he said.
He cited board member Lorenz Defensor of the third district, whom he estimated to have utilized mostly the allowed leave credits.
“Board Defensor has utilized his leave credits but he was able to sponsor important ordinances,” he said.
“The reckoning is not how much effort of the board member to fulfill the mandate of attending sessions, not only on his or her output, but it also includes the members’ active participation during the deliberation,” he added.
With more than six years in service, Tiosayco noted that the 12th SP also was the first to complete the 156 sessions.
The 12th SP has passed 2,155 resolutions and 61 ordinances while the 11th SP has passed 1,340 resolutions and 16 ordinances, Tiosayco said.
Among the significant ordinances passed were the Revised Revenue Code of Iloilo and the ordinance enacting the 2018 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province.
It was also noteworthy that the 12th SP was able to “codify” the ordinances in the province published in a book-form.
“If we have questions on ordinances in the province and its coverage, this will be our ready reference may it be on general ordinances, on the code of health and sanitation, the code of natural resources, among others,” he said.
The incoming set of board members can also refer to the said publication to avoid duplication of ordinances.
Tiosayco expressed confidence that the next set of board members can also deliver the same or could even have greater accomplishments than the 12th SP.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr., in his speech shortly after the 156th session of the SP on Tuesday afternoon, thanked the board members for their contributions to the success of the Iloilo provincial government.
“I would not have attained whatever success I have achieved without the cooperation, support, cooperation, and inspiration of the SP,” Defensor said.
The governor, however, reminded the outgoing SP that the legislative work is not only about praises and distinctions.
He said mistakes should also be remembered as it will “help and provide a clear path and idea of the future.”
Defensor also told the incoming SP to continue to let the welfare of the Ilonggos prevail.
“Let the institution be a symbol of democracy, an expression of freedom,” he said, adding that the incoming set of board members should exercise critical collaboration with incoming Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
Outgoing board members are Demy Sonza and Leicel Seville of the second district; Lorenz Defensor and Emmanuel Gallar of the third district; Bryant Paul Biron of the fourth district; and Jeneda Salcedo-Orendain and Nielo Tupas of the fifth district.
Meanwhile, incoming board members are re-elected Renee Valencia and Marcelo Valentine Serag of the first district; Jun Mondejar and Rolito Cajilig of the second district; Jason Gonzales and Matt Palabrica of the third district; Rolly Distura and re-elected Domingo Oso of the fourth district; and Carol-V Espinosa and Darl Tupas of the fifth district. (PNA)
