Laguna Board Member Jam Agarao decries, calling it “arbitrary”, her unceremonious removal, as chair of the powerful Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In a statement posted in her FB page yesterday, Agarao said that circumstances surrounding her ouster appears to have disregarded the fundamental standards of fairness, transparency, and proper legislative process expected within the Sanggunian Panlalawigan.
“The removal of a committee chair—particularly one leading a crucial committee such as Finance, Budget and Appropriations—is a major institutional decision that should undergo proper notice, full deliberation, and a fair opportunity for the concerned official to be heard.
“These principles form the foundation of any democratic and deliberative legislative body,” she said.
Accounts from the session, nevertheless, indicated that a motion to remove Board Member Agarao was approved even without prior notice to her and without sufficient deliberation within the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
It is said that the action was taken while she was absent due to a legitimate personal matter involving a scheduled medical consultation with a family member; depriving her of the opportunity to explain her absence or present her side before the body.
“Such circumstances inevitably raise serious questions about the integrity and fairness of the process through which the decision was carried out. While the Sangguniang Panlalawigan holds the authority to reorganize its committee leadership; that authority must always be exercised with due regard for transparency, accountability, and established legislative procedure.
This issue goes beyond a committee position. It underscores the importance of ensuring that decisions within the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are undertaken through proper process, open deliberation, and respect for the rights and responsibilities of every elected member.
“Actions that significantly affect the role and mandate of a public official must never appear rushed or procedurally questionable,” the Board Member said.
Agarao, however has expressed her respect for the authority of the Sanggunian while also raising legitimate concerns regarding the manner in which the decision was made.
Her statement highlights a fundamental principle in public service: that institutional authority must always be exercised alongside fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process.
Ultimately, the credibility of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan rests not only on the powers it holds, but on how responsibly and properly those powers are exercised.
“The public deserves a legislative body that consistently upholds democratic principles, respects due process, and conducts its affairs with integrity,” she added.
Vice Governor Magtangol Jose Carait lll has yet to formally issue official statement to shed light on fairness and transparency over Agarao’s abrupt eviction from the committee.
it is reported though that Governor Sol Aragones takes the side of Agarao that is feared to spawn serious cracks or division in the political realm of Laguna provincial leadership.
Agarao is the daughter of former Laguna solon Benjamin Agarao, Jr.
By Lane Afable, News Editor
