This is the essence of Senate Local Bill 16-4 that was introduced by Sen. Paterno S. Hocog, R-Rota,
“It [is] more appropriate that this important position be filled by a member of the municipal council given that they are also elected officials of the municipality. It is also appropriate that the acting chairmanship of the municipal council be established,” Hocog said in his bill.
Rota Municipal Council Secretary Vicente M. Calvo told Variety that he doesn’t believe Mayor Joseph S. Inos will oppose the measure.
“It is more appropriate that an elected person will assume the post,” Calvo said.
Senate Vice President Felix T. Mendiola, Covenant-Rota, said they submitted a copy of the bill to Inos.
Mendiola noted, however, that the bill “might pose a threat to the betterment of the community” if the mayor and the municipal council chairman are not in good terms.
However, he said delegating the power to an elected person is more advantageous because elected officials are always accountable to the public and must look into the welfare and interest of their constituents.
“If I were a mayor I will be reluctant to make a councilman acting mayor, especially if, in some cases, we don’t see eye to eye. However, even if this becomes law, the mayor can ensure that the best interest of the people is still protected,” Mendiola said.
Before leaving the island, he said, the mayor should “discuss things” with the person to be designated as the acting mayor so that there will be “mutual understanding” and conflict in governance is avoided.
Mendiola said mayor’s office and the municipal council should always share the goals and objectives.
The bill will designate guidelines for the designation of an acting mayor and acting chairman of the municipal council.
According to the bill, if the chairman is also absent, then the vice chairman will be acting mayor. In the event that both the chairperson and vice chairman are absent then the remaining council member will be the acting mayor.
If all members of the municipal council are absent, then the mayor will designate who will be the acting mayor to carry out the duties of the office of the mayor until the mayor or any member of the municipal council physically returns to Rota.
