Team Rama and Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) blocs of the Cebu City Council are scheduled to meet over lunch today to discuss a proposed revamp of standing committees ahead of tomorrow’s regular session.
Vice Mayor Edgar Labella called for the meeting to allow an “open discussion” to resolve whatever concerns they may have about the reorganization pushed by Mayor Michael Rama’s allies.
The two camps are jockeying for control after the BO-PK lost three of its members who declared “independence” in August.
Mayor Rama wants his allies to head the two committees on laws and budget, which are currently held by BO-PK.
The demand is “non-negotiable”, a source quoted City Hall consultant Jose Daluz III as telling the BO-PK bloc.
Each weekly City Council session has become a potential occasion for a revamp with the change of political loyalties of some members.
BO-PK leader and former mayor Tomas Osmena has said they will “fight” Rama’s plan to dominate the council because they want to ensure transparency and clear check and balance.
He said Team Rama is eying former BO-PK Councilors Gerry Carillo to head the committee on laws and Noel Wenceslao to head the committee on budget headed by Osmeña’s wife, Margot.
This would reportedly make it easier for Mayor Rama to push the approval of a P35 billion city budget for 2015 in the Council. Budget deliverations will start this month.
According to Tomas, barangay captains were asked last week for their “wishlists” to be included in what Mayor Rama calls his “people’s budget.”
BO-PK’s majority has been reduced to nine members with the breakaway of three who turned “independent” last month, giving Team Rama’s five members a chance to dominate the council.
Last Wednesday, the council adjourned its session early to preempt discussion on any committee revamp.
Labella asked for a separate meeting to thresh out these issues.
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