were on agreement to allow Hon. Agate to sit as Sangguniang Panlalawigan. He said that the said action of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is intended to put an end on all issues surrounding the IPMR's assumption to office as Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member. He explained that the opinion of the DOJ only gives persuasive effect but not a law or jurisprudence.

Hon. Judy AnnD.Servando expressed her sentiment that the previous Sangguniang Panlalawigan has no objection and, in fact, had done its efforts in resolving the issues and concerns on the assumption of Hon. Agate as Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, but it has gone this far since the then Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members want it done through the right process. She said that the funds for the sectoral representatives under the budget remains intact.

On the motion of Hon. Ruga, Hon. Brucal manifested that he abides with the rule of the majority.

In view of the said manifestation of Hon. Brucal, Hon. Ruga reiterated his motion.

There being no objection, the motion was approved.

## PROVINCIAL RESOLUTION NO. 5809-2022

RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY WITHDRAWINGFROMTHEDEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF ORIENTAL MINDORO'S REQUEST FOR LEGAL OPINION PERTAINING TO THE ELECTION AND ASSUMPTION OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S MANDATORY REPRESENTATIVE ('IPMR') AS SECTORAL REPRESENTATIVES AND/OR SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN EX- OFFICIO MEMBER

WHEREAS , on September 14, 2022, the 10 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of WHEREAS , on September 14, 2022, the 10 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental Mindoro passed and approved Provincial Resolution No. 5276-2022, entitled 'Resolution respectfully requesting Honorable Secretary of Justice Menardo I. Guevarra to render legal opinion with respect to the determination and election of sectoral representatives in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province of Oriental Mindoro in relation to Article X of the 1987 Constitution, the 1991 LGC, the 1997 IPRA, and other related laws, rules and regulations';

WHEREAS on July 12, 2022, by authority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, WHEREAS on July 12, 2022, by authority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Diwata H. Fetizanan sent a communication to the DOJ forwarding additional communications and documents in relation to the abovementioned request for legal opinion;

WHEREAS , the Members of the 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental WHEREAS , the Members of the 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental st Mindoro, during its 1 session, were unanimous in allowing the IPMR in the person of Hon. Ahop R. Agate to assume and serve as Sectoral Representative and Ex-Officio Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental Mindoro, thereby making the said request for legal opinion from the DOJ as moot and academic;

WHEREAS , the Members of the 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental WHEREAS , the Members of the 11 Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental Mindoro intend to protect the rights and promote the wellbeing of their beloved brethren Mangyans through proper representation in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan - the highest policy making body of the Province of Oriental Mindoro;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED , to BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF ORIENTAL MINDORO