PB approves P294-M supplemental budget

The expected debates in the Provincial Board's out-of-town session in Dalaguete did not happen as the P294-million supplemental budget was approved, in its third and final reading, in a rather unlikely pace of less than 20 minutes, and with only minor adjustments of some items.

Committee on budget and appropriations head Gabriel Luis Quisumbing moved for the approval of the budget measure after letting the acting provincial engineer explain some few details of the P50-million allocation for infrastructure projects.

Pelayre said the appropriation, under the provincial engineer's office, would be for Phase 3 of the road improvement project covering 25 kilometers of provincial road, or at a cost of P2-million for every kilometer.

The PB also decided to scrap from the provincial health office the "plantilla" of the Mandaue District Hospital, which was already turned over to the Mandaue City government in the past.

Included in the supplemental budget is the P22-million allocation which covers the P10,000 Collective Negotiation Agreement incentive the governor had earlier promised for each Capitol employee.

But this item was passed on condition that the committee's recommendation should be followed, one of which is to note down a certification of urgency to justify the speedy approval of the measure.