THE ETHICS OF JOINING A GROUP

People join group for numerous reasons. Giving satisfaction is one of the major reasons why individual join a particular group. In the case of Honorable Councilor Karl Castelo, a member of the Majority Group of the 19^th Quezon City Council who transferred to the Minority Group, I presumed that he found this sense of personal satisfaction which he is unable to get from the previous group which he belong. Rightfully said, the new Leadership of the Minority group offered him a sensible position, the Chairmanship of the Committee on Energy, Water and other Natural Resources.

However, we should bear in mind that any transfer of membership from one group to another must be in accordance with the highest ethical standard. The transferee shall properly notify his previous group in letter signifying his intention of leaving the group. Second, the transferee should seek the approval of the group and convince them that accepting him as a new member is the right thing they did and they will not regret it in the future.

Going back to the case of Hon. Councilor Karl Castelo, his transfer to the Minority Group caused chaos and division in the handful members of the Minority Group. His transfer is well- orchestrated one. It is done in the absence of the Minority Leader followed by a series of events. Positions and Chairmanship was declared vacant by the New Minority Group, Election of New Officers and Nomination of Chairmanship of different Committees.

Though their action was legal based on their Internal Rules but not all legal actions are ethical and morally right. Aside from what I stated above that a transferee should convince the group and earn their respect, below are my other observations:

1.       The entry of Hon. Karl Castelo formed a new majority in the Minority Group.

2.       The needed 2/3 votes was fully met by the aspiring leader of the Minority Group.

3.       The execution of the plan was very timely.

4.    Removing Committee Chairmanship without consultation and due process is tantamount to a saying, “stabbing  at the back”.  Giving the said position to a transferee member is adding insult to injury.

These are the ethical considerations that a transferee should have in mind before joining and accepting any position from the group he intends to join. His hands should be clean in any action or political maneuvering unless he likes to become the scapegoat of the group.