It took Albay Rep. Joey Salceda to respond to the clamor of the people of Benguet, as some of their “your honors” reportedly got cold feet but warm bulging pockets when they were feted with a feast and some at the exclusive enclave of the rich and famous – Alpha Land Country Homes.
Anyway, Salceda has authored House Resolution 757, a resolution calling for a special election in Benguet to fill the vacancy for the lone congressional district caused by the demise of Rep. Nestor B, Fongwan, Sr. and appropriating funds therefor. He filed the same on March 3.
This comes at a time when Rep. Eric Yap, who is also the caretaker of Benguet took over as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and now has his hands full. Might not just be able to balance his duties as ACT-CIS representative, Benguet caretaker, and chair of the superpower committee. Superman ang peg.
This is the first time that a neophyte or junior congressman becomes chair of the most powerful committee in Congress. It is usually reserved for a senior third-termer representative but congressional history was obliterated with one swift wave of the wand by the compañero Allan Peter Cayetano. “Para que estamosen el poder? (What are we in power for?) At any rate, with five or so days to go before the House goes on a Lenten break, the chances of setting a special election by June has grown dim and the ball is in the hands of those who deserve the kind of government they deserve. Hope springs eternal though.“Vox populi, vox Dei” (The voice of the people is the voice of God)! Sigh.
Apologia. The 7th EMA Law MCLE program originally scheduled for March 24 to 27 at the Baguio Country Club had to be rescheduled to April due to the threats of the Covid-19. Difficult decision especially at this time when Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, Atty. Harry Roque, Ombudsman Samuel Martires and/or staff, Judge Glenda Soriano, Atty. Christine Elvena Carantes, Prosecutor Berex Catral, Professor and author Jim Lopez, retired judges Joseph Patnaan and Adolf Malingan and other eminent lecturers have confirmed their attendance. We are hoping that we can maintain the original roster of guest lecturers in the new schedule for the continuing legal education.
