City Councilors Urged to Maintain Decorum in Sessions

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Members of the Iloilo City Council were reminded to observe proper decorum and adhere to internal rules during sessions, following recent incidents of heated exchanges and disruptive behavior.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Nov. 13, Councilor Johnny Young emphasized the importance of clear and enforceable decorum in city council sessions.

“We have a duty to uphold the highest standards of behavior and decorum during our sessions. This includes refraining from personal attacks, derogatory language, and disruptive behavior that detracts from productive exchanges and decision-making,” he said.

Young noted recent instances where “decorum has been compromised, leading to disruptions and discord within our council chambers.”

He added that such incidents undermine the integrity of the city government’s legislative process and erode public trust in the council’s ability to govern effectively.

“I urge all of my colleagues to adhere to the rules of order and conduct ourselves with respect and dignity toward one another,” Young added.

Councilor Candice Tupas also expressed concern about decorum but questioned why discussions on the council’s Internal Rules and Regulations (IRR) were raised during regular sessions.

Tupas said councilors should already be familiar with these standards without needing frequent reminders.

However, she acknowledged that some guidelines within the IRR are often overlooked, such as distributing copies of committee reports or privilege speeches at least 24 hours before regular sessions.

IRR to Be Revisited

Majority Floor Leader Councilor Frances Grace Parcon-Torres said the council would convene to revisit and review the IRR on session conduct.

Parcon-Torres acknowledged these issues, citing examples of councilors speaking over one another or interrupting during interpellations.

Tensions in the council have intensified recently. Last week, Councilor Romel Duron clashed with Young and Councilor Ely Estante after he called his colleagues “ignorant” for allegedly trivializing legal requirements.

The dispute arose during discussions on whether tricycle drivers’ associations must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Estante and Young questioned the need for SEC registration, prompting Duron to state that, under current laws, SEC registration is not required for tricycle drivers’ associations.

Duron has previously been involved in conflicts with other councilors. In July, he clashed with Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna over a proposed resolution to review the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

During that exchange, Duron used a homophobic remark, calling Cabaluna “inagi” (too gay) in reference to his actions as Chair of the Committee on Transportation.

Similar remarks resurfaced during discussions on a tricycle franchise application, contributing to tensions in the council chambers.