QC council votes for majority leader

The Quezon City Council held a closed-door vote Thursday to determine its majority floor leader, a position that grants significant influence over committee appointments, council members said.

The majority leader post, currently held by First District Councilor Doray Delarmente, is being challenged by Second District Councilor Ally Medalla, according to sources within the council who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The winner of the leadership contest will be responsible for selecting the heads of various local committees, including the influential Committee on City Planning and Zoning.

This committee holds the authority to issue “Special Use Permits” (SUP) for businesses operating in areas where they are not typically permitted. Fourth District Councilor Irene Belmonte has chaired this committee for several years.

Sources alleged that securing an SUP can cost applicants as much as P3 million, which is then reportedly distributed among council members, with the Committee on City Planning and Zoning chairman allegedly playing a key role in the allocation.

These permits are often sought for the construction of structures exceeding permitted heights in residential zones, such as five-story buildings.

In addition to potential extra income, city councilors have a reported salary grade of 31, amounting to over P140,000 monthly. They also reportedly manage an annual budget of P46 million for operational costs, staff salaries and personal projects.

One unnamed council member indicated that retaining a council seat can cost between P4 to P10 million per election period.