Vice guv reminds board members to keep cool

NEGROS Occ. Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer in a huddle with the board members during their session on Aug 20, 2019. (Dolly Yasa)

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer on Aug 20, 2019 told provincial board members to keep their cool and observe proper decorum even if discussions and debates during their sessions heat up.

Ferrer suspended the session on Tuesday after Provincial Board members Sixto Guanzon and Manman Ko almost engaged in a heated argument.

The incident happened as Guanzon delivered a privilege speech on resolutions and ordinances forwarded by municipal governments to the provincial board for action.

Ko then asked Guanzon about the agenda of the speech. The latter replied that Ko was not listening to his speech.

Some in the audience said they had difficulty listening to Guanzon’s speech because of the poor sound system.

“Maybe it was just miscommunication,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said he suspended the session to pre-empt any heated argument. He then called the concerned board members to his table and talked to them.

He later delivered an impromptu speech and told the provincial board members to remain cool and check their temper.

“Cool lang. Every day is a learning process,” Ferrer said.

He said board members who want to experience being a presiding officer are welcome to do so.

“I continue to ask for your support and unity. We have to be one regardless of political affiliation.”

Ferrer told reporters after the session that he ordered the repair of the sound system in the session hall.

“So that everybody can hear clearly,” he said.