VM Rodriguez emphasizes importance of committee-level deliberations

During the 80th regular session, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez clarified the procedural expectations regarding committee-level discussions within the council. She stressed that issues should have been thoroughly discussed within the committees before they are brought to the plenary. 

"It is always arbitration," Vice Mayor Rodriguez stated, emphasizing that the committee should continue to work on issues until they are fully resolved. She highlighted the necessity of keeping deliberations at the committee level to streamline the process and avoid redundant discussions.

As the presiding officer, Vice Mayor Rodriguez made it clear that maintaining this process not only maintains order but also ensures that the council's time is used effectively. 

Councilor Romeo Calizo supported the vice mayor's sentiment, adding that the public is more interested in the final outcomes of committee decisions rather than ongoing deliberations. 

"If I were the public or member of the public, I would be interested in the result, in the finality of what the committee has decided upon," Calizo remarked.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez's statements served as a general reminder to the city's legislature to ensure smooth and effective council sessions.