Perfect attendance for 2 legislators

CEBU, Philippines - Two members of the Talisay City Council registered perfect attendance since the start of the 5th Sangguniang Panlungsod sessions in July 2013.

Councilors Danilo Caballero and Dennis Basillote were present in all of the regular and special sessions, according to the data released by the council secretariat.

Based on the report, the City Council conducted a total of 80 sessions since the inaugural session last July 4, 2014 until February 3, 2015.

Caballero, who got the most number of votes in the race to the council last elections, served as temporary presiding officer two times after Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante was absent for "an official business."

Councilors Edward Alesna and Aldin Diaz incurred three absences while Councilors Valeriano Ylanan, Doroteo Emit and Association of Barangay Captains president Raul Cabañero had two absences.

Councilors Antonio Bacaltos, Socrates Fernandez and Richard Francis Aznar each recorded one absence.

Of the 11 council members, Councilor Eduardo "Digul" Gullas III had the most number of absences at 35 sessions. He availed himself of four special leaves, one forced and one vacation leave.

Gullas, the report showed, had also used up all his 15 days of sick leave credits for 2014.

At 22, Gullas is the youngest in the pool of city councilors, although he was 19 years old when he was first elected to the council.

From being the number one legislator in terms of votes in 2010, Gullas dived to the 10th spot in the 2013 polls.

According to Villarante, council members may be sanctioned on two grounds, namely unruly behavior or not observing proper decorum during the session.

But he said members who will be absent for three consecutive sessions without "justifiable" causes may also be reprimanded, excluded from sessions, suspended for more than 60 days or expelled.

However, Villarante clarified that the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds of the whole council.

"I'm not that strict when it comes to absences, as long as they are justified and reasonable. I understand (the case) of Councilor Digul because he is a (college) student and records will show that he has no consecutive absences," Villarante said.

Fernandez also defended Gullas by saying that the young legislator was present during important sessions and discussions, such as when the controversial 2015 budget was set for approval.

In last Tuesday's session, Basillote requested the SP secretariat to present to the council the updated list of absences, citing "accountability."

Basillote, an ally of Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, said public officials are accountable to the people and the voters, especially in the performance of their duties of attending sessions at all times.

"Wala ko'y gipanganlan pero kinahanglan nga mapahibalo ngadto sa katawhan kung nag-attend ba gyud ta og session," said Basillote, who is on his last term as a city councilor.  

Talisay city council attendance report from July 4, 2013   to   February 3, 2015

Danilo Caballero               No absence

Dennis Basillote                No absence

Richard Francis Aznar     1 absence

Socrates Fernandez        1 absence           

Antonio Bacaltos              1 absence

Romeo Villarante             2 absences

Valeriano Ylanan              2 absences

Doroteo Emit     2 absences

Raul Cabañero   2 absences

Edward Alesna  3 absences

Aldin Diaz            3 absences

Eduardo Gullas III             36 absences

Total sessions held: 80

Total regular sessions: 71

Total special sessions: 9

Source: Talisay City Council secretariat (FREEMAN)