Manila City Councilor Atty. Ernesto "Jong" Isip, who was among those allegedly involved in the controversial Manila City Council session held on July 23, 2024, has defended the meeting, stating it was conducted to address critical areas affected by Typhoon Carina.
In an exclusive interview on Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Isip refuted claims made by some fellow councilors that the session was illegal and secret, with the intent to nullify all ordinances and resolutions passed after July 23.
"Napanood ko ang presscon ng mga dati naming kasamahan at kaalyado. Sinabi nila noong July 23, 2024, ay nagkaroon kami ng iligal at secret session sa city council at gusto nila na ipawalang-bisa ang sesyon na 'yon at lahat po ng session pagkaraan po ng araw na 'yon at lahat po ng ordinansa at resolusyon," Isip explained.
He clarified that on July 22, a recess was called due to repairs needed for the session hall's air conditioning and ceiling. However, on the same day, Typhoon Carina entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, prompting them to convene a session the following day.
"Noong July 22 nang dumating sa PAR ang bagyong Carina at lumakas ang ulan, matinding pagbaha sa Maynila, particularly po sa District 1 Isla Puting Bato, District 5 Baseco, at sa aming District sa Parola nagkaroon po ng matinding baha at ang dami pong nasalanta na inilagay sa evacuation center," Isip said.
"Naisip po namin para makatulong sa mga nasalanta, ay kailangan ulit bumalik sa session sa susunod na araw para magpasa ng mga resolusyon na iproklama na isa pong kalamidad po iyong area ng mga nasabing barangay," he added.
According to Isip, the barangays that were flooded were unable to utilize their funds, which necessitated the session. He emphasized that the council has the authority to meet in times of calamities, contradicting allegations that the session lacked proper notice.
"Yung sinasabi nila na walang notice, hindi 'yun tama. Dahil anytime pwede kaming bumalik sa sesyon kapag may sakuna. Kita naman nila na lumulubog na ang Maynila dahil sa bagyo," he stressed.
Isip also pointed out that providing notice is not the responsibility of his fellow councilors and that the session was not secret, as it was broadcast live online and on the city council's website.
"Ang pagbigay ng notice, hindi 'yan trabaho ng mga kapwa-konsehal. Kaya nga pinapa-check namin kung naabisuhan sila at hindi ito 'secret session' dahil naka-live ito online at website ng city council," he added.
Isip further revealed that one of the petitioners who filed a lawsuit was even present during the session.
On Wednesday, 17 Manila councilors filed a lawsuit before the Manila Regional Trial Court against the leadership of the Manila City Council, headed by Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer John Marvin "Yul" Servo-Nieto, along with Isip, Minority Floor Leader Salvador Philip H. Lacuna, and nineteen other councilors affiliated with the majority.
The petitioners are reportedly aligned with former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, while those accused are supporters of current Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna, who previously served as Vice Mayor under Moreno.
