Suan challenges new purok system ordinance

DURING the 71st regular session of the 20th City Council presided by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Councilor Aga Suan raised concerns about the proposed ordinance that aims to establish and institutionalize the purok system in the delivery of development programs in every barangay.

Councilor Suan argued against the proposal, stating that implementing the purok system would essentially introduce another layer of bureaucracy to an already complicated political system in the city. He likened the establishment of a purok system to creating a barangay within a barangay, deeming it a redundant and unnecessary action. He questioned the necessity of the proposal, asserting that the existing barangay structure is powerful enough to handle the functions that the proposed purok system aims to address.

Furthermore, he expressed skepticism about whether the ordinance grants puroks the authority to undertake projects, highlighting a section suggesting the allocation of prizes or incentives, including ₱1.5 million worth of projects for outstanding puroks.

Councilor Suan advocated for the simplification of the city's project and program delivery mechanisms, believing that the inclusion of the purok system would only get the city entangled in a political maze.

Despite objections, including those raised by Councilor Suan, the majority of the council members approved the proposal during the session.