Lao wants ‘sneaking’ councilors sanctioned

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

City Councilor Teodulfo Lao, Jr. wants the three city councilors who snuck out of the regular session  last week sanctioned.

In his privilege speech on Monday, Lao said Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy had to cut short their session which was supposed to tackle important resolutions because of the lack of quorum.

“I brought this out on this august body so that members of the city council should be reminded that our mandate is to serve the people the best way we can. In other words, the interest of the people is foremost than ours,” he said.

Lao cited Republic Act 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Standards of the Public Officials and Employees, and section 4 in particular which defines the conduct of public officials and employees.

“In other words, if we will only follow the conduct of public officials, we should only look for the best interest of the city. We should always think that we are legislators and bound here during session and participate in the discussion that could serve well for the city,” he pointed out.

Lao said what happened last Monday was contrary to what is expected of a public official.

“Those people who went out and did not ask any permission, they should explain before the people. They must issue their reason why they went out and did not finish the session at that time,” he said.

For his part, Uy said under city council house rule they must be reprimanded but since they have other reasons and concerns it is now up to the people to decide identifying city officials who truely served the people.

“Sila na ang mohusga. Lisod man pud og kita ang mohatag sa penalty. Pareho ra kita ang nagserbisyo sa katawhan. Dili nato pun-an ang kagubot sa atong palibot. Kinahanglan pud nato ang pasensiya og konsiderasyon. They can explain to the people,” he said.