This time, official notes will be taken in the closed-door caucuses of the Cebu Provincial Board.
The discussions, which used to be internal only, will be placed on record, Vice Gov. Agnes Magapale announced after Monday’s session.
She said they have “learned” from the Balili estate controversy, where several board members were accused before the Ombudsman of not discussing the grant of proper authority before the Capitol purchased the P98.9-million property in Naga.
“This was after we (PB) were accused that we never discussed the granting of authority, which is not true,” she said.
She said Provincial Board secretary Anecita Pasaylo had to issue a certification on this.
Pasaylo emphasized the benefit of putting caucus discussions on record.
“With that recorded caucus, if they have any agreement, that will help us do our job in the office,” said the secretary.
Pasaylo told reporters the new procedure started right after Magpale took her oath of office as vice governor in May 10.
“We slowly had to implement it…. until it was fully done this month,” said Magpale.
“The reason we have a presession caucus is to avoid a prolonged session proceeding. Arguments arise. It’s best to resolve them in the caucus where you (the media) can’t hear it,” she added.
Last Monday, PB members were greeted by a new setup in the session hall. The new seating arrangement was patterned after the Senate and Congress.
Magpale said this is one way of encouraging more participation.
A podium was placed at the center aisle of the session hall with two other podiums and the left and right sides of the hall.
The PB members are seated according to their district.
The three ex-officio members from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Cebu Chapter president, the Association of Barangay Council (ABC) Cebu Province president, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation Cebu Province chairman were all seated at the back.
“We’ve long thought about doing this, to be able to stand up to speak. Majority floor leader (Peter John Calderon) and I discussed this,” said Magpale.
Last Monday, lawyer Aven Piramide also gave a talk on parliamentary procedure to guide orderly sessions.
Magpale said the refresher was welcomed by Capitol legislators and was in line with Gov. Gwen Garcia’s challenge to “raise the bar” in their work.