• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and Councilor Homer Bais have traded apologies shortly after the latter’s privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s 68th regular session Oct. 21.
Minutes after Benitez posted his apology video, Bais reciprocated in a media interview with a statement of his own, expressing readiness for reconciliation.
The incident stemmed from an incident during an Oct. 16 MassKara Festival dinner at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby, where the two officials clashed over the city’s Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) loan and debt-funded projects.
“Himuon ta lang ang obra ta kay amo na ang pinakaimportante sa tanan. Importante maobra ta sang trabaho ta,” Bais said. “Ang amon subong pagtutukan amo ni ang report sang tatlo ka committee kag ang masulod nga annual budget, kon pila ang balayran sang siyudad sa kautangan kag kon ano ang status sang mga kautangan, ano nga proyekto ang nakadtuan, kag kon ano ang status sang sina nga proyekto.”
In his privilege speech, Bais initially appealed to Benitez to listen to his side, noting that not all reports reaching the congressman are accurate.
He affirmed his commitment to his sworn duties, stating he would prioritize his obligations to the citizens of Bacolod over party loyalty if forced to choose. He said he has no issue with whatever decision his party mates might make regarding his position.
Following the public apology of Benitez, Bais downplayed the incident as a “normal aspect of legislative work”, and noted that others had it worse.
“Let’s move on…Who is Homer Bais nga pangayuan pasensiya sang isa ka Albee Benitez,” the councilor said. | TMD
