‘Tardy’ lawmakers delay SP sessions

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday again failed to convene on time for its regular session as some board members continue to be either tardy or absent.

For quite some time now, the provincial board has been besieged by tardiness and absenteeism among lawmakers causing its failure to reach a quorum and for sessions to formally commence on time.

Yesterday, in its first session for the year 2010, legislative staff and mediamen who cover the weekly assembly of the provincial lawmaking body could only wait in silent frustration as Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera called a pre-conference with board members who were present minutes before 12 noon.

Legislative aides constantly monitoring if a quorum could be reached for the regular session said “some board members could not report punctually”.

“Old bad habits are simply hard to break,” said one SP staff who observed the perennial delays in holding sessions.

Although Vice Gov. Herrera reported at his office on time (9 a.m.), he could not call the usual pre-conference meeting prior to the session proper due to the absence of several board members.

Some board members were already at the Capitol compound but were attending to appointments with constituents who flocked the legislative offices yesterday.

Even the office of the vice governor was packed with visitors who were waiting to seek audience with Herrera.

With a few months to go before the May 2010 Elections, tardiness and absences is expected to plague SP sessions with four board members running for mayor in their respective hometowns.

The issue of tardiness had been the object of a resolution adopted by the SP on July 2007, as Herrera was obviously irked by late comers among his colleagues. The SP had been the subject of attacks when its sessions, which supposedly starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., are delayed and usually held at 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In an effort to impose discipline among tardy lawmakers, the SP resolution which in effect changed its House Rules slapped fines of P500 for members who come late on session days after the roll call is made.

However, the continued frequent tardiness and absences of some members indicate that the resolution seeking to apply sanctions against its members is not being enforced.

“Clearly, the sessions are purposely delayed to accommodate board members who still come late,” said an SP staff who refused to be identified.