ILOILO – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) majority has a good working relationship with his administration, stressed Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. in the wake of a reorganization at the Provincial Board.
Defensor said the majority bloc has been supportive of his programs and projects. He was hopeful this would continue.
On Tuesday, the SP agreed to declare all committee chairmanships vacant for a reorganization. Defensor said changing committee chairpersons was “normal” thus he was not surprised.
Still, the governor said the SP members owe it to the Ilonggos to explain their reasons for the reorganization.
“Ang SP very cooperative man sa administration. Waay man kami sang away. The relationship is just fine, ngaa may reorganization? Ano ang tuyo sang reorganization?” said Defensor.
The SP is expected to name new committee chairpersons on Nov. 20 during its regular session.
Defensor did not discount the possibility that “may mga tawo sa likod nga amo ang nag-take sang initiative nga may reorganization.”
It was SP member Manny Gallar who called for the reorganization. He is running for congressman of the 3rd District against Defensor’s son, SP member Lorenz Defensor.
Gallar, however, denied there were persons behind his call. The SP members themselves wanted a reshuffling, he stressed. For example, he said, SP member Valentin Serag of the 1st District wanted to lead the committee on health and sanitation chaired by 2nd District Board Member Leicel Mondejar-Seville.
“Consensus sang majority ang desisyon nga reorganization,” said Gallar, an ally of Cong. Ferjenel Biron who is running for governor against Defensor’s son, Cong. Arthur Defensor Jr.
Those who voted for a reorganization were Gallar, Serag, Renee Valencia, Domingo Oso, Bryant Paul Biron, Nielo Tupas, Jeneda Salcedo Orendain, Dorothy Paes, and Bianca Requinto.
Three opposed it – Licurgo Tirador, Liecel Seville and Demy Sonza.
SP member Lorenz Defensor did not vote. He served as acting presiding officer of the SP session on Tuesday./PN
