ILOILO — Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque took swift steps to restore order and professionalism in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), meeting privately with 2nd District Provincial Board Member June Mondejar ahead of their 28th regular session on January 27 following a tense exchange during the previous session.
Debuque personally went to Mondejar’s office before the session to clear the air after raised voices marked the 27th regular session on January 20. The vice governor said the meeting was meant to prevent lingering ill feelings and ensure smoother proceedings in future sessions.
According to Debuque, she initiated the conversation as a matter of respect and leadership, acknowledging that she raised her voice but stressing it was never her intention to offend.
“Bilang naigu sa kamanghuran no, naghatag ako sang pagtaha kay Board June. Nagtaas gid man gamay ang akon boses pero it was not my intention. Nagapati sia nga insakto sia, kag nagapati man ako nga insakto ako. Amo gid man ina but ginapabutyag ko man sa iya nga moving forward kami sa SP as a team,” Debuque said.
She added that their discussion allowed both sides to better understand each other’s positions, particularly on the proper conduct and procedures during SP sessions.
Debuque emphasized that the meeting was not about determining who was right or wrong, but about maintaining professionalism and keeping personal issues out of official work.
To prevent similar incidents, Debuque said she will convene a meeting with all board members to review and clarify the SP’s internal rules, aiming to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary disagreements in the future.
“We have to have a good working relationship, open communication, kag respect for each other’s perspective. Basta naga-istoryhanay lang kita, tawhay. Malikawan ng unnecessary disagreements just because of kaunti nga kakulangan sa communication or whatever,” she added./PN
