If there in one among our local officials whom I consider as a more improved subject for a live interview, he would be Jose Antonio Salera Veloso (JSV), Vice Mayor Toto Veloso of Tagbilaran City. Because I prefer to see my subject eyeball-to-eyeball in a “live” repartee, and shun telephone verbal tussle he has seen to it that, in the countless sessions we had at DYRD-ZD, he always comes a few minutes before the 6:30 PM schedule. Which I really appreciate. For one of my dictums is: “He who steals my time is a great thief.” This are excerpts of our interview about the issues discoursed at the Sangguniang Panglungsod on August 5, a Monday. Vice Mayor Veloso (on air) is a refreshing sight when he elucidates – wholesome face with a glint of inspired wisdom, well-modulated baritone voice, and a sense of dignity that reflective of a public servant who wants to do all things right.

LMP: What are the processes to undertake in making a City Ordinance?

JSV: Well, it involves a lot of sources for reference purposes. It is very important that the ordinance is responsive to the needs of the people. When a draft is made by a member of the Council, it will be included in the calendar of business, and is subject for deliberation and discussion of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during the session. The ordinance is then referred to the Committee where it belongs. Let say, for example, the ordinance being made is for traffic, like “Pay Parking Streets,” it will be submitted to the Committee on Protective Services. The chairman conducts a committee meeting regarding the proposed ordinance. It is scheduled for a second reading during the session before the approval. There are also instances when it needs an ample time in weighing up the subject, especially when it entails sensitive matters.

LMP: How many committees are there in the Sangguniang Panlungsod?

JSV: There are 24 standing committees.

LMP: What if there is no objection, will the ordinance be passed immediately?

JSV: Well, I haven’t experienced that yet. It is quiet impossible to happen because each of us has our own idea towards an issue. It is a must to tackle it first, and consolidate all the recommendations for a better outcome.

LMP: How many votes are needed for an ordinance to become a law?

JSV: Simple majority, 50% plus 1. The ordinance includes declaration of policy, administrative provisions, funding sources (if needed), and the date of affectivity. After the approval of the SP, the said legislative measure is passed to the executive department. If the Mayor does not approve, he has the right to perform his veto power.

LMP: May we know the reasons why the Mayor has to exercise his veto power?

JSV: Maybe, he is not in favor of what was agreed upon by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It is the prerogative of the Mayor to execute a veto power on a particular ordinance.

LMP: But the veto can still be superseded, right?

JSV: Yes, the SP can override it, through the 2/3 votes of the members of the council, if they really want to pass the ordinance right there and then.

LMP: So far, are there already pending resolutions passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod?

JSV: Yes, there are a lot. One of resolutions was made by Councilor Aleckoy Lim, requesting the Accounting Department to submit a report, as well as the Commission on Audit, with regards to the financial status of the City Government.

LMP: Is there a need to pass a resolution on the submission of reports, is that not part of the responsibility of offices concerned?

JSV: Supposedly it is, but until now the SP has not received a copy of the monthly trial balance. So, we come up to a resolution with the support of the Mayor, requesting these departments to pass the said documents.

LMP: Can’t the Sangguniang Panlungsod order them? Just a request?

JSV: One of the reasons is that, these department heads are under the executive body.

LMP: But it is a clear indication that they are not doing their job.

JSV: That is why, we ask the assistance of the Mayor regarding this issue.

LMP: Let’s talk about the resolution passed by Councilor Aleckoy Lim, when will it be realized?

JSV: We have already discussed that matter. Maybe, we are going to reiterate that because until now we have not received any reply yet. There was also another resolution passed, and that was for the Comelec to extend the registration for the barangay and Sk election this coming October. The 3-day period given was not enough because there are a lot of new voters, particularly the youth.

LMP: Is this an indication that our young voters are participative?

JSV: Yes, participation of the people in community is very important. The first time voters are also excited to exercise their right in the forthcoming election.

LMP: According to Comelec Chairman Brilliantes, they were surprised to the number of registrants in the Metro Manila area. Comelec expected only 800,000 new registrants, but registered more than 2 million. They believed that those people were brought by some candidates in the coming election to transfer in their barangay for their own benefit.

JSV: That is a big possibility.

LMP: One of the issues nowadays, especially that we have a new administration, is the healthcare program, particularly the “Botika sa Katawhan.” What is the status now?

JSV: The operation of the “Botika sa Katawhan” is still ongoing. This is joint project between the City Government and the private sector. The program started in the administration of Mayor Dan Lim, with Mr. Mario Uy, representing the private sector. This was authored by former Vice Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes. At that time, I was still a City Councilor and Chairman of Committee on Health. We sponsored the said project. With regards to the Blue Card Program, I don’t have any idea on the plan of our Mayor as of now.

LMP: Right from the start, you were already involved. How much is the budget given by the City Government for this project?

JSV: It has a 2 million budget, aside from the salaries and wages given to the employees and the pharmacist. The project needs an ordinance so that the person representing the private sector would have a legal personality to solicit for donations from outside sources.

LMP: When you say, legal personality, is there a memorandum involved?

JSV: Yes, it authorizes the person to perform such actions legally, and is signed by the Mayor. It is also the responsibility of the body spearheading the project to submit a quarterly and annual report to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the status of the fund, and the implementation of the program as stated in the Ordinance.

LMP: Have they submitted the reports?

JSV: We have not received any reports yet since the new administration started last July. The Ordinance clearly stated the provisions, and it must have to be followed. In our last session, the “Botika sa Katawhan” was brought up, and it was agreed upon without any objection to invite Mr. Mario Uy, for him to give details on the status of the program.

LMP: Your parting words.

JSV: I am again grateful for the chance to be interviewed in “Nangutana Lang.” I would like to inform our listeners that my radio presence is already regular every Monday of the week. This would be a great opportunity to tackle the projects and developments towards a more progressive Tagbilaran City.

The first time I interviewed Toto Veloso in “Nangutana Lang” several years ago, he was running for a seat in the City Council. He admitted having cold feet in that interview. Lately, when he ran for Vice Mayor, I noticed a big change, he has acquired more than enough savvy in answering any kind of question thrown his way. He is more relaxed, more confident, more knowledgeable.

Now, that he is my regular Monday guest, he strikes me as a source of reliable information not only on issues about the Sangguniang Panlungsod, but also on all concerns about the nation and the globe. He has broken off from the shell of mediocrity and transcended the realm of formidable wisdom.

Here is a young official ready to conquer more heights in the political arena. And this time he is well-equipped with what needed to soar up high.

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(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09498345957)