𝗕𝗠 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗮-𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 ‘𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿’ 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗣

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Hon. Angelica Jones B. Alarva has called for due process in addressing issues involving alleged “disorderly behavior” and possible violations of the Internal Rules of Procedure of the Laguna Provincial Board.

In her privilege speech, Alarva-Jones maintained that her complaint against Board Member Hon. Karla Monica C. Adajar-Lajara was not a personal attack but an effort to protect the integrity, dignity, and order of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“My complaint is not an attack on a person. It is a defense of an institution,” Alarva-Jones said.

She asked the provincial board to accept and hear her complaint filed before the Committee on Ethics and allow the committee, or the appropriate mechanism of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, to fairly examine the allegations.

Jones emphasized the importance of due process, saying the respondent should be given the opportunity to be heard, explain her side, and defend herself in accordance with established procedures.

According to Jones, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should not become a venue for the personal use of power, “trial by publicity,” or any form of pressure.

She also stressed that the provincial board is a collegial body and that its powers should be exercised collectively and in accordance with its Internal Rules of Procedure and applicable laws.

The Board Member also discussed the exercise of oversight and legislative functions, particularly requests for documents, data, reports, and certifications from various offices of the provincial government.

She said that when the attendance of a department head is necessary, it should be done through a Question Hour, committee hearing, resolution, or other appropriate action of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The board member also underscored the importance of maintaining the dignity and neutrality of the Session Hall during official proceedings, particularly in situations involving protesters, posters, or other external influences.

Alarva likewise expressed concern over public statements made on social media concerning the provincial government, public officials, and fellow board members.

Among the issues she raised were statements concerning the use of public funds, alleged delays in the salaries of health workers, and the ₱950-million loan, which she said should be fully explained based on official records and proper procedures.

She also cited what she described as the use of sarcastic or provocative language in public discourse, which she said could affect the dignity of the institution and public officials.

Adajar-Lajara Responds

For her part, Adajar-Lajara emphasized that while decisions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are collective, each board member has the responsibility to ask questions and examine matters before casting a vote.

“I just want to remind everyone: the Sanggunian makes decisions collectively, but each board member has the duty to ask questions and scrutinize matters before voting,” Adajar-Lajara said.

She also maintained that she does not need majority approval to request public documents, provided that such requests are made within the rules and limitations of the law.

“If only agreement is expected, then what is the purpose of electing board members?” she added.

Meanwhile, Alarva called for the proper process to be followed in addressing matters involving alleged disorderly behavior and possible violations of the Internal Rules of Procedure, Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, and other applicable laws.

She stressed that a complaint or resolution should not automatically be treated as proof of wrongdoing, emphasizing the need for a thorough review to establish the full facts and context surrounding the issues.

“The law will be our guide. The process will be our foundation. The truth is what we will seek,” Alarva-Jones said.

The matter now remains subject to the appropriate committee proceedings and mechanisms of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review and resolution.