Perez allies: Cadiao is the problem
The long- running chaotic Sangguniang Panlalawigan is Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao's own doing, accused the members allied to Gov. Sally Z. Perez. The reason they alleged was that Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao refused recognition of the new majority in the provincial board based on a resolution last March 27, 2006 approved by the said majority members. The resolution declared and changed chairmanships of all the committees in the Sanggunian including the Majority Floor Leader.
Governor Sally Z. Perez is already alarmed by the state of affairs in the August Body caused by the wrangling and squabbling which while purely of the SP's internal matters has already affected the implementation of important programs and projects of the provincial government. It can be recalled that the former majority floor leader Silvestre Untaran, Jr., having been expelled from the Liberal Party resulting to his being booted out by his party mates from the leadership, elected SP member Dr. Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa of Sibalom, a staunch ally of Gov. Perez to replace him. Compounding this was the shake-up in the committee chairmanships which were not recognized by Vice Gov. Cadiao, resulting in an impasse where no regular session can be held since the majority opted to henceforth boycott the succeeding sessions.
"What's this- the tyranny of one? We are being held hostage by one man!" Fumed SP Damian Marfil, opposition-turned-Perez ally referring to Untaran's manipulation of the proposed agenda making last minute changes to delay the reorganization. Media people here covering the session have been complaining of two prepared agenda in the past sessions.
Political pundits here are baffled by the vice governor's actions, taking notice of the majority's announced plans to hold special sessions instead of attending the regular one. This, they said, will continue until Cadiao "realizes her folly" of having a collision course with them.
Last week, Perez intervened by calling for a special session last April 4 in the town of Libertad "to ensure a quorum" and "to tackle what she described as a matter of public interest." The governor was referring to the monetization of IRA funds upon which allocations and funding for additional personnel benefits, health and social programs and infrastucture projects are to be taken.
However, not allowing herself to be outdone, Cadiao wrote the governor that she is calling for a special session to be held at the SP session hall in the Old Capitol instead. Eight of the thirteen member Sangguniang Panlalawigan responded to the governor's call while only three attended Cadiao's own version of special session in the Old Capitol.
"As expected, the Cadiao's session, farced as it was, started and ended without a quorum." Marfil declared.