Batangas Governor Appeals for Calm Amid Council Dispute
Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto urged for calm after tensions flared during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s first regular session on July 7. The heated dispute centered on the council’s internal rules and procedures, sparking concern among local officials.
The incident escalated when Vice Governor Hermilando Mandanas, who presides over the council, rejected a committee report endorsing the body’s internal rules. This disagreement prompted Governor Santos-Recto to call for a swift and orderly resolution, emphasizing the importance of following parliamentary procedures.
Disagreement Over Internal Rules Sparks Debate
During the session, 6th District Member Aries Emmanuel Mendoza, who proposed adopting the internal rules, pointed out that the committee on ethics and governance had already approved the report. However, Vice Governor Mandanas argued that a committee report must only be submitted after the committee hearing is officially closed.
“While it’s natural for members to have differing opinions, a sign of a functioning democracy, it’s important that these differences be resolved swiftly and in accordance with proper parliamentary procedures,” Santos-Recto said in a statement released Tuesday.
Political Dynamics Within Batangas Provincial Council
Most members of the 15-seat Sangguniang Panlalawigan belong to the Nacionalista Party, the same party under which Governor Santos-Recto ran in the 2025 midterm elections. This political alignment highlights the complex dynamics within the council as they navigate governance issues.
In the recent vice gubernatorial race held last May, Vice Governor Mandanas defeated Luis Manzano, the television personality and son of Governor Santos-Recto. This contest adds another layer to the ongoing political interactions within Batangas’s provincial leadership.
Local leaders noted that despite the tensions, the focus remains on ensuring that the council’s operations run smoothly and that governance is not hindered by internal conflicts.
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