By: Gerome Dalipe
Members of the 13th Iloilo Provincial Board belonging to the opposition vowed to support the executive agenda of Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr.
But Board Member Domingo Oso, Jr. appealed to the province’s chief executive to allocate or distribute development funds to the five Iloilo districts equally.
“The distribution of development funds should be specific and identifiable. It should not be selective, but rather projects should be properly allocated to five districts equitably, if possible,” said Oso during his inaugural speech.
Oso, the Provincial Board’s majority floor leader, and nine other newly-assumed provincial legislators held their inaugural session at the Capitol session hall yesterday.
All provincial legislators assured to set aside political indifference and focus on crafting relevant laws beneficial to the people.
Defensor Jr. was proclaimed winner in Iloilo’s gubernatorial race in May mid-term elections, defeating fellow congressman Ferjenel Biron.
Defensor got 479,081 votes against Biron’s 391,403 votes or a margin of 87,678 votes.
His brother and former provincial board member, Lorenz Defensor, succeeded him as representative of Iloilo’s third congressional district.
Board Members June Mondejar, Matt Palabrica, and Jason Gonzales are known allies of Defensor Jr. in the Provincial Board.
On the other hand, Board Members Marcelo Valentine Serag, Renee Valencia, Rolito Cajilig, Rolando Distura, Domingo Oso, Carol Espinosa-Diaz, and Nielito Tupas are allies of Biron.
Defensor Jr. urged the Provincial Board to help him in carrying out the needed legislation beneficial to their constituents.
“Please join me as we craft the policies and ordinances that will not only facilitate prosperity in the Province but distribute the wealth and resources and all opportunities to everyone equally,” said Defensor.
In his speech, Board Member Oso stressed the executive and legislative branches need to collaborate to function effectively.
“But there are times when a critical collaboration is necessary and should be pursued to ensure the independence of the legislative from the executive so that the delivery of basic services to the Ilonggos would not be delayed,” said Oso.
Likewise, Oso reminded his colleagues that the principle of check and balance should be maintained.
This is to ensure that services given to the Ilonggos are given equally to every district without delay.
“Let us argue and discourse with reason, but never be personal with one another. It is in the free exchange of ideas that we ferret the truth. And the truth will set us free,” said Oso.
