Guanzon: "We have liquidated P3 million from City Hall"

CEBU, Philippines – Outgoing Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP) President Manuel Guanzon said that the P3-million aid of the Cebu City Government to the league has been liquidated even before the council asked them to do so.

He cried foul over reports that the council demanded them to account for the funds in a given deadline, as if they refused to do so in the past or as if there was a suspicion that they did not use the money properly.

His conscience is clear, he said, but wants to clarify that the league has properly liquidated every centavo of assistance that they received from different entities.

Guanzon told The FREEMAN yesterday that their treasurer is compiling and arranging all documents, which will be ready before their term ends tomorrow.

Since he was proclaimed the elected captain of Barangay Capitol Site, he said he has started preparing for his exit as what a responsible official should do.

"Ako nang obligation and pag-liquidate and before ko mu-out, I will make sure to settle all my obligations. Paghanay naman lang ang kulang, it will be ready for presentation to the council," Guanzon said.

"Lain lang kaayo ang nigawas nga balita nga as if kapila mi balik-baliki pero ni-balibad mi. I never received any communication before and bisan wala pa, amo man gyud ning i-liquidate," he added.

In a council resolution passed last Tuesday, Councilor Jose Daluz III asked Guanzon to submit to the council records of expenses incurred by the BCLP during Guanzon's incumbency since 2008.

The P3-million aid was granted by then mayor and now Rep. Tomas Osmeña in November 2008 for sports development and promotions.

Based on the report of BCLP treasurer Ramon Tiong Jr. BCLP had spent P2, 544, 888.50, which leaves a balance of P455,111.50. Tiong said that the balance is intact.  (FREEMAN)