Talisay City Council bans video of sessions

BACOLOD CITY,  Philippines  — The Talisay City Council in Negros Occidental approved a resolution prohibiting vi-deo recording during its sessions.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Charles Benedict Lacson and approved on August 13, stated that starting August 20 any video recording of the sessions is not allowed without prior approval and authority from the council.

The resolution said the council has observed that a city employee, who was allegedly ordered by executive assistant to the mayor Ranie Azue, has been video recording the session.

The resolution further said that, several months ago, the council had requested Azue to present the letter he allegedly sent to and was approved by Talisay Vice Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares III asking permission to get video recording of the sessions.

However, the council did not receive such letter or any request for permission before such activity was undertaken.

Videotaping the session is unne-cessary and that, even without it, the council could still perform its legislative duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently, said the resolution, adding that sessions are still open to the public unless there are declared closed-door proceedings.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., however, questioned the resolution because the session is a matter of public record and that video recordings are even allowed in the sessions in Congress.  (FREEMAN)