COUNCILOR James Judith resumed his legislative agenda on Monday, putting forth an ordinance to livestream the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) sessions in Oro.
However, his proposal for mandatory Facebook livestreaming or broadcasting of SB-SK sessions citywide faced vehement opposition from his colleagues.
Judith emphasized that leveraging social media is crucial to strengthening and expanding government services.
He argued that by utilizing social media platforms, local officials could enhance transparency in governing each constituent.
“Katungod sa katawhan nga makamarites, makisayod, maki-susi kung unsay nahitabo sa ilang barangay,” he said.
Judith contended that if residents are informed about the ongoings in their barangays, participatory governance would be facilitated.
His proposed ordinance aims to mandate all 80 barangays in the city to broadcast each plenary session.
“Himoon nato ni nga mandatory requirement usa nato aprobahan ilang tagsa-tagsa ka budget,” emphasized Judith regarding his proposal.
However, Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba challenged the proposal, suggesting that the proponent, Councilor Judith, may not have conducted thorough research.
Balaba questioned the feasibility of the proposal, noting that some barangays in the city lack internet connectivity.
“We would like to encourage, but saying that it’s mandatory, you have to provide first internet services,” she added.
Balaba cited the importance of assessing which barangays lack internet connectivity before proposing such an ordinance.
Echoing Balaba’s sentiments, majority floor leader Edgar Cabanlas and minority member Jose ‘Pepe’ Abu opposed the idea of mandatory live streaming, pointing to potential violations of each local barangay’s autonomy.
Cabanlas expressed concerns, labeling it as “delikado,” arguing that mandating live streaming could infringe on the autonomy of local governments.
He asserted that each barangay possesses independence, and therefore, mandating them to broadcast their sessions might be inappropriate.
The proposed ordinance was ultimately referred to the Committee of Barangay Affairs, chaired by Councilor Alam Lim, and the Committee on Youth, chaired by Councilor Kenneth John Sacala.
