Lim takes over as OIC gov, while Chatto is hospitalized Balite, as vice gov, bats for punctuality in sessions

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — Vice Governor Concepcion Lim has assumed the post of OIC governor of Bohol while Gov. Edgar Chatto is now at the hospital for a broken leg after an accident at a resort in Panglao town last New Year’s Day.

The accident of the governor was confirmed by Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, during a radio program, anchored by The Freeman correspondent Ted Ayeng, to clear rumors spread by text messages that the incident was allegedly kept under wraps for some reasons.

Damalerio did not however give details of the accident but said that Chatto was first treated at the Holy Name University in this capital city and later transferred to a hospital in Cebu City, where he is reportedly recuperating now and is already well.

The provincial administrator further said that, as Lim took over as OIC governor, senior Provincial Board Member Dionisio Balite has taken over as OIC vice governor and has presided the first session for 2013 last Friday.

Balite, before adjournment, declared “off the record” his appeal to the PB members for punctuality in attending the sessions. The PB members should be on time, such as being at the session hall when the clock strikes 10 a.m. as provided for in the house rules, he said.

No one from the PB members reacted except for Brigido Imboy who teased the legislators that for every minute late means a liter less of the gasoline allotted for that tardy member.

PB Member Godofreda Tirol later suggested for a cut-off time before marking a legislator absent from the session.

Balite then told the PB members that he will ask the PB secretary to publish their attendance in the sessions for the sake of transparency and accountability to the public.

This would replicate the system practiced by the Municipal Council of Panglao, as initiated by Vice Mayor Evangeline Lazaro, which posted at the session hall a monthly attendance chart showing every legislator’s absence or presence during every session. (FREEMAN)