ILOILO City – The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) – Panay has denounced the Iloilo City Council’s decision to restrict the vice mayor’s participation in legislative proceedings, warning that the move sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent and prioritizing political power over the welfare of Ilonggos.
The student organization criticized the council’s October 21 majority vote, describing the action as a troubling demonstration of political maneuvering at a time when the city is grappling with rising living costs, water shortages, rotational brownouts and inadequate public transportation.
“At a time when our city faces pressing and urgent concerns, it is deeply troubling that the council appears more preoccupied with consolidating power within its political ranks than fostering meaningful debate, the exchange of ideas, and constructive deliberations,” NUSP Panay stressed in a statement.
“The legislative council should be a venue where differing perspectives are heard and scrutinized in the pursuit of policies that genuinely serve the public interest—not a space where political alliances take precedence over democratic discourse,” NUSP Panay added.
The group questioned why the city’s legislative body was spending time and public resources on political disputes instead of addressing problems directly affecting residents, particularly students, workers and daily commuters.
“Should not the time, energy, and public funds entrusted to our elected officials be devoted to crafting resolutions and ordinances that address the pressing concerns of our people? Our communities continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, water scarcity, rotational brownouts, and an inadequate public transportation system that students and commuters endure daily,” the statement read.
“These are the issues that demand the council’s urgent attention, not political maneuvers that risk undermining the democratic character of local governance,” it added.
‘Troubling lesson’ for young leaders
NUSP Panay expressed particular disappointment that the controversial council action unfolded in the presence of student leaders who attended the legislative session to observe democratic governance and learn about public service.
Instead of witnessing constructive deliberations and respect for differing opinions, the students saw what the organization characterized as an exercise of political authority that undermined meaningful participation.
“More disappointing is that this transpired in the presence of young student leaders who were there to learn about governance and public service,” the group said.
“Instead of demonstrating the principles of democracy, accountability, and responsible leadership, the council’s actions presented a troubling example of how political power can be exercised at the expense of meaningful participation,” it added.
Dangerous precedent for dissent
Beyond the immediate controversy, NUSP Panay warned that the council’s decision could have broader implications for democratic governance, particularly if political majorities use their numerical advantage to marginalize opposing voices.
The organization stressed that disagreements among elected officials should be welcomed as part of the democratic process rather than treated as threats to political authority.
“Disagreement should never be treated as an obstacle to governance,” the group emphasized.
“In a democratic institution, dissent is not a weakness to be suppressed but an essential part of ensuring that decisions are scrutinized, perspectives are considered, and public officials remain accountable,” the group stressed.
The organization urged student leaders in schools, youth organizations and communities across Panay to draw lessons from the controversy and remain vigilant against political practices that weaken democratic participation.
It maintained that genuine leadership should be measured by public service, accountability and respect for differing perspectives rather than the ability to wield political influence.
“Ultimately, the quality of leadership is measured not by the authority one wields, but by the service one renders,” NUSP Panay stressed.
“To lead is to serve, and to serve means placing the interests of the people above personal ambitions and political loyalties,” the group added.
The organization also reminded elected officials that their mandate comes from the people and should never be subordinated to partisan interests or political alliances.
“A good leader never allows power, prestige, or political allegiance to take precedence over the responsibility to serve. Most importantly, a good leader works alongside fellow public servants and constituents—not above them,” NUSP Panay emphasized./PN
