Majority rules in new SP rules
"In the many years that I have been here, it is the first time that I voted and won."
Such was the curt yet well-received statement of First District Board Member Macario Napulan when given his two minutes to justify his "yes" vote Tuesday.
One of the eight board members present on what stands as the longest session of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) thus far, Napulan helped seal the fate of the new Internal Ruies ready for adoption and implementation.
The board members meet tomorrow for a special session with the new Internal Rules in place.
Albeit containing a total of 17 amendments, focus of the revisions made was on the matter of 2/3 votes needed or a simple majority of those present.
Board Member Rodolfo "Boy" Cabado was the principal oppositor, withdrawing his earlier signature adopting the amendments.
In his lengthy explanation, Cabado decried what he said was the supposed failure to inform him of the substantial changes made. He also said that prior to the changes proposed, nobody but him and Vice Governor Rolex Suplico cared to have the Internal Rules revised.
One assertion that Fifth District Jett Rojas objected as he stood up to manifest his yes vote to the new rules.
Rojas for his part said that he was also in constant contact with Suplico on the matter of the Internal Rules. This, as he stressed his respect to the stance of Cabado.
The voting came after several breaks called by the Vice Governor in what clearly was a regular session with underlying tension from the majority and minority bloc.
In the end, eight board members voted for the new rules while only four said no.
Fifth District Board Member Jesus Salcedo explained his "yes" vote saying his experience as Vice Mayor of Sara helped him decide on the matter.
The "no" vote meantime of first-termer Board Member Shalene Palmares-Hidaldo was explained as a result of the clear explanation of Cabado why her support for the "no" is needed.
Hidalgo said she appreciated the effort and "felt greatly touched."
Meantime, Garin maintained that despite the opposing views he had with Cabado, nothing changes in terms of their personal and professional relations.
"All's good... all's good," Garin stressed when reached for reaction by Capitol reporters.