Cebu Council Assures Tomas Can Still Speak Out Despite New House Rules

The Cebu City Council majority claims that Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña can still voice his opinions during council deliberations, despite new House Rules that limit his legislative powers.

The council majority, led by Councilor Philip Zafra, said the rule changes were made to align the council's procedures with the law, not to silence Osmeña. The changes were approved last Friday and took effect on July 7.

According to Zafra, the council recognized Osmeña's decades of experience in public service and intended to continue listening to his opinions, even after the revised House Rules stripped him of powers previously recognized under the council's internal rules.

Osmeña, however, maintained that the amendments effectively prevented him from participating in legislative debates, although the council majority assured him that this was not the case.

The council could still hear Osmeña's views during official proceedings or even during recesses, Zafra said. He emphasized that the council would continue to accommodate Osmeña during deliberations.

The new House Rules removed the one-year prohibition on future amendments, allowing members to revisit the rules whenever necessary. The council simultaneously adopted a corollary motion seeking further clarification from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Zafra acknowledged that many netizens viewed the amendments as an effort to silence Osmeña but said the council simply followed the legal guidance available to local governments. The council had already adopted a corollary motion seeking further clarification from the DILG and remained open to elevating the matter before the courts if necessary.

According to Osmeña, the changes were meant to prevent him from participating in legislative debates. However, Zafra disputed this, saying that Osmeña's participation was not limited.

The vice mayor has expressed disappointment over the rule changes, claiming that they would prevent him from exercising his duties as a member of the council. The council, however, has reassured him that his opinions still matter.

“We will still listen to his views,” Zafra said.

“Although, at the end of the day, it will always be the council who will decide.”