In a recent press statement, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on History, Culture, and Arts, said he respects the wisdom of the Senate in their decision on the Bacolod City Charter Day issue. The city official called the matter “highly political” and, while he left the decision up to each and every senator, Gamboa said he hopes future legislators will enact laws to reflect the “true history” of the city.

The most-recent bill, while moving Charter Day from October 19 to June 18, recognizes the initial day as one to be celebrated and commemorated and likewise declared it a “special non-working holiday” in Bacolod City. The city councilor expressed his satisfaction with having the two dates acknowledged. He also thanked the senators that took part in last month’s Senate Committee Conference after they said the position papers he submitted “raised valid points.”

The original House Bill, introduced by Bacolod City lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya, entirely disregarded October 19, which subsequently required the Senate to put through an amendment recognizing the October date.

Gamboa maintained his position has always viewed October 19 and June 18 as equally important, noting, the word “charter” is just an instrument, but what is important is the celebration and commemoration.

We await President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, which will make the bill into a law; however, he can also declare October 19 as a non-working holiday on his own via executive order.

The people must decide if this issue is indeed a “political” issue.

While the Senate has spoken, it is up to those in the House of Representative to look at the important issue and see which will a majority of their constituents. So much to be done, so many laws to enact, yet too little time – time to roll the sleeves and get back to work./WDJ