BOPK to Labella: Move meeting

CEBU, Philippines - Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) councilors decided that they will attend the meeting called by vice mayor-elect Edgardo Labella but on the condition that it be postponed instead of today.

Reelected Councilor Nida Cabrera said the party has agreed to join the meeting but this has to be moved to June 17 since some of them are not available.

“We requested elected Vice Mayor Edgar Labella to move our meeting on the 17th. Some cannot attend because they are out of town and also Councilor Margot (Osmeña) will leave for Singapore,” Cabrera said.

Labella last week sent invitations to incoming members of the city council for a meeting today.

Cabrera added that fellow reelected BOPK councilors already informed Labella of their intentions to have the meeting a week later to ensure their attendance.

“(Councilor) Lea Japson informed him (Labella) already and all will be attending (the meeting),” Cabrera added.

According to the letter invitation, things to be discussed during the meeting are the upcoming inaugural session on July 1 after their oathtaking, the house rules, and committee chairmanship and membership.

Labella earlier said he will respect the decision of the majority as part of democratic process especially in terms of committee assignments.

The FREEMAN tried but failed to reach Labella for a confirmation of the meeting’s postponement.

Labella ran and won under a different party, Team Rama, along with reelected mayor Michael Rama.

Being the majority, BOPK maintained majority of the city council seats last May 13 elections, only leaving three slots for Team Rama councilors.

BOPK councilors who will be serving the Sangguniang Panlungsod starting July 1 include Nestor Archival, Alvin Arcilla, Bebs Andales, Japson, Alvin Dizon, Noel Wenceslao and Cabrera from the north district while Margot Osmeña, Gerry Carillo, Jun Gabuya, Roberto Cabarrubias, Richie Osmeña will represent the south district.

Outnumbered Team Rama councilors representing the south district are Dave Tumulak, James Cuenco and Hanz Abella while the lone north district councilor is Mary Ann delos Santos. — (FREEMAN)