By Roel Amazona
CATBALOGAN CITY, (PNA) — Vice Gov. Stephen James Tan denied accusation that he bullied a member of Samar’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan and that he acts like a “lord” as referred to him by a lady member of the legislative body.
Board Member Alma Uy-Lampasa alleged that the vice governor prohibited her from asking questions and raising some points during their regular session.
She said that she felt “bullied and gagged” each time she enters their session hall.
However, Tan clarified that he only follows the rule of the parliamentary procedure.
“You need to be recognized first before I can allow you to talk, which is the proper way before you could go to podium and express what you want,” Tan said.
Tan added each member of the provincial board should observe proper decorum to avoid clashes and avoid unethical act when attending the regular session.
He also stressed that he does not act like a “lord” in their session.
“There is nothing personal here. I am not a lord. We don’t use the term God in addressing a member of the Sanggunian,” the vice governor said in reference to the statement of Uy-Lampasa.
On the other hand, board members who ran and won under the Liberal Party, where Lampasa is a member, denied accusations that they shifted loyalty to the Governor Sharee Ann Tan-de los Santos’ Nacionalista Party.
Samar first district board member Charlie Conejos said that they remain faithful to their political party and they will never be allies with the Tan. He underscored, however, to throw their support to all the development efforts and programs of the Samar provincial government.
Conejos, who sits as the floor leader, also shared the view of Tan that Lampasa should obey their internal rules and she has to be recognized before she can talk.