PROVINCIAL board members on Monday criticized Vice Gov. Jose Mari Pelaez for his four consecutive absences during the legislature’s session.
They also criticized his brother, provincial board member and vice governor-elect Jeremy Pelaez, and other members whom they said had a penchant for going on “official business” during provincial board sessions. Another provincial board member, Lilian Gallogo, was also absent on Monday.
Provincial board member Gerardo Sabal III said the officials owe the province’s lawmaking body an explanation even as he pointed out that the Commission on Audit has already questioned the absences, and has even issued a memorandum disallowing the release of salary and wages of some officials because of their absences.
Sabal proposed an attendance board so the public can see who are present, absent or on official business.
Provincial board member Erick Kho said Vice Gov. Pelaez and other board members have used “official business” as a convenient excuse for their absences. The “OB,” he said, has been abused.
“Kada dili makatunga, ‘OB.’ Basta absent, ‘OB’ dayun,” he said.“Abuse naman ang gihimo sa bisi gobernador bisan sa iyang mga kauban. Hangtud karon absent gihapon sa pipila na ka mga semana. ‘OB’ gihapon hangtud karon.”
Provincial board member President Elipe said there was a need to impose penalties of members of the provincial board who register four consecutive absences. He said erring provincial board members should be suspended or even removed from office.
Elipe said the absences were the reason why the provincial board failed to have a quorum in the past. (Lito Rulona and Shiela Mae Butlig)
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