All of a sudden Friday morning, all seven members of the Sangguniang Panglungsud majority bloc suffered en masse a common affliction of “stomach ache”. The “mass ailment” rendered the” honorables’ immobile which prevented them from attending Friday’s crucial session. As if by coincidence, the city council was to take up the crucial fate of Faro Cabalit who was salivating to regain his old seat as ex-oficio member of the SP representing the Liga ng mga Barangay, Tagbilaran City Council. It was bruited around in SP circles that the majority’s absences (the opposition branded it as boycott) were a deliberate attempt to stop Cabalit from reassuming office. Cabalit who was ousted by his colleagues for lack of confidence was poised to return with a vengeance after he secured a decision from the higher Liga that he was illegally thrown out of office. His entry would tilt the balance of power in the SP in favour of the opposition. For Cabalit, it’s better luck next session day, depending on what another ace up the sleeves of the SP majority will show next Friday. Armed with the latest endorsement (3rd) of the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Barangay Operations Office, sent to Region 7 Director Ananias M. Villacorta, indorsing for appropriate action, the return of Cabalit was stalled with the massive sickness befalling the SP majority of seven. Cabalit was replaced ten months ago in an alleged election by Cogon punong barangay Pepot Besas.

Tagbilaran City Local Government Operations officer Mardonio T. Roxas, confirmed that the DILG endorsement was already forwarded Tuesday to the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Nuevas T. Montes, for the council’s guidance and information. The DILG endorsement for Cabalit’s return is expected to be implemented before Nov. 13, 2012. The city council reportedly failed to hold its regular session Friday for lack of quorum. Earlier, Cabalit’s return was foiled when the city council, acting as committee of the whole, during its regular Friday session, decided to wait for an official communication from the National Liga Executive Board allowing Cabalit to sit again as ex-officio member of the city council. The League of Barangays National Executive Board Resolution No. 05-000075 had confirmed an earlier resolution from LnB Region 7 declaring that Cabalit shall continue to hold office as the Liga chapter president of Tagbilaran City. The National Liga confirmed the findings that due process was not given to Cabalit, thus absent the compliance of the formal requisites for the removal and vacancy of the office as provided in the Liga Constitution and By-Laws, he is not deemed removed from office. Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay federated president Crispina Vergara, said the LnB National Executive Board order was expected and Cabalit will finally return to his former post. Cabalit, who is the punong barangay of Taloto, was unseated last January after the city council recognized Cogon barangay chairman Besas as the new city chapter president based on the December 2011 elections. The case was elevated to the Region 7 Liga chapter after which favored Cabalit as still the Tagbilaran City chapter president. (30)