18/05/2026
NADISMAYA ug nagwalk-out ang Konsehal sa lungsod sa Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, tungod matud pa, gibalibaran sa makadaghan ang iyang giandam na previllege speech labot sa Impeachment case ni VP Sara Duterte, atol sa ilang regular session adlaw na Lunes May 18, 2026.
Sa FB post ni Konsehal Joshua Debis, iyang gipagawas ang iyang sentimento sa nahitabo atol sa ilang session.
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“I REFUSED TO BOW THE POLITICAL PRESSURE AT THE EXPENSE OF MY PRINCIPLES
Today’s session sa Sangguniang Bayan exposed a serious concern not only for me as an elected councilor, but for the very essence of democracy ug freedom of parliamentary expression within our local legislative body.
I stood and raised a Point of Order because for several instances already, repeatedly na nga gin disallow ang akong submitted privilege speeches particularly whenever ang topic concerns to Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Nahitabo ni despite my compliance with the requirements sa among Internal Rules of Procedure, nga naga require lamang ug submission sa outline prior to the delivery of a privilege speech.
As a duly elected representative sa mga katawhan sa Santo Tomas, dili nako madawat nga ang parliamentary expression murag naka depende nalang sa political alignment or whether favorable ba ang imong position sa current administration.
During the session, giingnan ko nga ang mga ingani nga privilege speeches mahimong maka affect sa mga proyekto sa lungsod with the administration of President Bongbong Marcos ug kinahanglan likayan ang mga ingani nga discussions. Giingnan usab ko nga kung gusto nako ipahayag ang akong sentiments, mahimo ra kuno nako kini ipost sa akong Facebook account ug dili na kinahanglan ipaabot sa plenary sa Sangguniang Bayan.
With due respect, social media is different from parliamentary representation. Ang akong responsibilidad isip elected councilor dili lamang kutob sa pag post sa Facebook. My duty is to bring the voices, sentiments, and concerns sa katawhan ngadto sa official democratic forum sa Sanggunian pinaagi sa proper parliamentary process.
With due respect, democracy does not require blind obedience. Ang respeto sa gobyerno dili dapat magpasabot ug kahilom sa mga elected officials nga naga voice lamang sa sentiments sa usa ka bahin sa katawhan nga ilang gi representahan.
Ang Sanggunian dili dapat mahimong lugar lamang para sa mga opinion nga pabor sa majority. It is a democratic institution where both majority and minority voices must be heard. Kung ang privilege speeches selectively ginadallow or ginadiscourage tungod sa political differences, then the issue is no longer merely about procedure it becomes an issue of fairness, representation, ug democratic space.
Yes, emotions rose during today’s session ug adunay nahimong commotion. I eventually decided to walk out, not out of disrespect to the institution, but because I REFUSED TO BOW THE POLITICAL PRESSURE AT THE EXPENSE OF MY PRINCIPLES ug sa akong duty isip elected representative sa katawhan.
Furthermore, this issue does not concern me alone as a public official. This is also a concern shared by many Tomasinos regarding the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. As representatives of the people, it is our duty to acknowledge and give space to the sentiments, opinions, and voices of our constituents, especially on matters of national importance that greatly affect the trust and unity of our community.
I will continue to stand firm in defending the right of every elected official whether majority or minority to speak, to represent, ug mapaminawan within the bounds of parliamentary rules and democratic process.
My loyalty remains first and foremost to the people of Santo Tomas ug sa principles of democracy, fairness, and freedom of expression.
Daghang Salamat sa padayon ninyong Suporta mga Tomasino.
KANUNAYNG INYONG TINGOG SA KONSEHO!”
