Atty. Comafay opposes proposed Tabuk reorganization putting the Sanggunian Secretary under the Mayor, warns it could weaken check and balance

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Tabuk City Councilor Atty. Errol Comafay is opposing a proposed ordinance that would place the Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod under the Office of the City Mayor, saying the move could undermine the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances in local government.

In a post on September 14, 2026, Comafay said the proposed reorganization of the Tabuk City Government would give the mayor control and supervision over the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

“The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod should not be under the Mayor,” Comafay said, stressing that the office serves as the legislative secretariat of the City Council and should remain under the control and supervision of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

He argued that placing the office under the mayor could affect the secretary’s independence in serving the legislative body.

“If the Mayor has control and supervision over the Secretary to the Sanggunian, the Secretary will follow the Mayor, not the Sanggunian,” Comafay said in his post, warning that this could weaken the system of checks and balances.

What the proposed structure shows

The organizational structure and staffing pattern attached to Comafay’s post shows the City Mayor at the top, with the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod connected directly to the mayor’s organizational line.

The proposed Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod would have a City Government Department Head I serving as secretary, Salary Grade 25, along with administrative, information systems, records, stenography, computer operation, driving and messenger positions.

Other units shown under the proposed city government structure include the Executive Assistance Section, Administrative Services and Document Facilitation Division, and Local Chief Executive Engagements and Technical Support Division.

Comafay said he would oppose the proposed ordinance to protect the independence of the legislative branch and prevent possible abuse of power.

Plenary deliberation Tuesday

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Comafay said the proposed ordinance is scheduled for deliberation during the Sangguniang Panlungsod plenary on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The proposed measure will undergo discussion and deliberation before the council decides whether to approve or reject it.

Comafay appealed to fellow councilors to reject the proposal, saying maintaining separation of powers and checks and balances is important in preventing the concentration and possible abuse of authority in local government.