Reorganization up at City Council?
With only two regular sessions left for the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo in 2008, rumors on the alleged reorganization of the different chairmanships and installation of Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera as new majority floor leader broke out.
The rumors on the reorganization and ouster of Majority Floor Leader Eduardo Peñaredondo was an offshoot of the two major issues that created divisions among the members of the majority block in the legislative body.
The two major issues that have drawn different reactions are the plans on the construction of the multi-million city hall building and the procurement of the defective specialized weapons for the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) group.
Reports said the members of the majority block want Peñaredondo replaced as a consequence of his action defending the questionable purchase of the P675,000 specialized rifle.
In last Wednesday's regular session, Peñaredondo said they could not initiate any probe on the alleged irregularities for lack of substantial evidence.
The R. Espenelli Marketing which is represented by Bert Herbolario already returned the payment to the city government. This was also confirmed by Major Jerry Treñas.
On the issues on the proposed plan to construct a city hall building, several councilors did not appear when the team of Architect Willie Coscolluela presented the basic plan and design of the city hall.
Before Coscolluela's presentation, the council passed a resolution requesting Coscolluela to give updates on the basic designs and plan for the proposed city hall. The resolution requesting for Coscolluela's presence at the session was sponsored by Councilor Antiquiera.
In a radio interview, Antiquiera dispelled the rumors on the plan to unseat Peñaredondo and him taking the new leadership as majority floor leader.
Antiquiera said there is no truth to reports that he will assume as the new majority floor leader. He considers the information as unfounded and mere insinuations.
He explained the debates among the members of the legislative body are anchored on "issues of public importance. Each of the councilor has his stand on different issues raised on the floor. "What is important is we respect each other's opinion."
Antiquiera said what is happening at the legislative body is a "manifestation of a pro-active and dynamic city council. He said they would rather engage in debate than to be called as "rubber stamp city council."
For the past sessions, Antiquiera along with Councilor Antonio Pesina, both identified with the group of Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr traded barbs with the other members of the city council on issues regarding the proposed construction of the city hall building and purchase of defective firearms but also on the relocation sites.
Antiquera said they have no malice when they presented the different issues on the floor. Though, he admitted there are things that popped up during the deliberations which he considers "irritants." It is nothing personal against any members of the city council, he said.
The councilor said the group between the DOJ secretary and the chief executive is still intact in spite of their differences on issues affecting the city government. Antiquiera ran under the group of the Gonzalezes. He finally got elected after several times of trying his luck.