Last week, the following COVID-19 related resolutions were thrown out by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City

  • Financial amelioration for marginalized sectors affected by the economic crisis, calling unto public utilities (BACIWA, CENECO, Smart Telecom, Globe Telecom) for a 60-day payment suspension based on the Bayanihan Act.
  • Call for transparency and accountability of funds from the government in response to public outcry regarding “overpriced medication & utilities”, and proper liquidation of Bacolod’s P119 Million “Bayanihan Act Fund I”
  • Supporting written appeal of Mayor Leonardia to the National Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to allow the local gov. of Bacolod to continue implementing its local health protocols on returning residents. This is said to be in response to the National Taskforce Against COVID-19 only requiring Locally Stranded Residents (LSIs) to be swabbed in Manila, and be brought directly to their homes upon arrival in Bacolod City.

Opposition councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa, Jr. lamented the “trapo-politik way” the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod junked his proposed resolutions he sates are vital in managing the increased spike of COVID-19 transmission in the city. The bereaved councilor also added that all three resolutions were challenged by “petty, trivial, and nitpicking” counterarguments by fellow councilors such as typos and composition errors.

In a virutal session of the Bacolod Sangunniang Panlungsod, it may be seen that after Gamboa presented his resolution for COVID-19 Audit Tranpsarency & Vice Mayor and presiding SP officer El Cid Familiaran asking other councilors for a motion to second, only silence followed, and apparently falling on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, city council approved on the same day a resolution by Councilor Dindo Ramos to extend financial assistance to transport sectors (jeepney & tricycle drivers) affected by the MECQ, with other councilors such as Lopez and Orola stating that fisherfolks, farmers, vendors, beauticians, barbers, waiters, and event organizers be including in the proposed ordinance. The mayor is also said to decide on who else will receive financial aid, according to Ramos.