Talisay council to formally ask Garcia not to fill vacancy

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Government is set to ask Governor Gwendolyn Garcia “to not fill in” the vacated seat in the City Council, saying that there is no need to appoint a replacement as the body remains “efficient” and “steadfast” with its functions despite the vacancy.

 In a resolution approved last February 16, the council members were unanimous in saying that the Council “has been very efficient and steadfast in the performance of its job especially in its legislative functions” even after councilor-turned-vice mayor Alan Bucao left his seat to assume the functions of the presiding officer, following the absence of then Vice Mayor Lani Abarquez, January last year.

 Abarquez’ absence became permanent after she tendered a formal resignation last December.

 “Notwithstanding the absence in one of its members the Department of Interior and Local Government has further affirmed the excellent performance of the council and that there is no problem whatsoever with regards to the establishment of a quorum,” the resolution reads.

 Council secretary Emigdio Enjambre Jr. said the resolution will be furnished to Garcia after Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez signs it. 

 Earlier, City Councilor Rodi Cabigas and some of his fellow council members expressed their opposition to the idea of appointing a new member of the council, saying the same would only add expenses to the city.

 Cabigas aired his opinion after learning that former Cebu City Councilor Gabriel Leyson had expressed his interest to replace Bucao.

 Leyson, who ran in the 2007 elections as mayor in Talisay City, chaired Lakas-CMD in the district. Bucao was former Lakas-CMD member, and being the party that caused the vacancy, Leyson was entitled to endorse someone from their party to fill in the vacancy.

 Leyson even wrote to Garcia requesting the governor to appoint him to the vacated post.

 “The Talisay City council is not amenable to appoint additional member in the Council considering that it would be best for the City of Talisay to make the vacant post remain unseated taking into account the City would have to save in its finances and resources,” the resolution reads.

“Whereas, with the current vacancy in one of the seat in the Talisay City Council, it is deemed unnecessary by this August body to appoint any individual for the post considering also the constraint of time due to the nearing election period,” the resolution reads further. - Liv G. Campo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)