CH Lenten play still has no budget

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is wondering why the city council refused to approve the annual budget for its Lenten activity, Buhing Kalbaryo.

“Why are they insisting that the PAGCOR funds cannot be used when I was the one who appealed to the agency that the cultural and historical activities be included? It may not be in the guidelines but there is actually an addendum that was done because of my personal visit to Alice Reyes,” a furious Rama told reporters.

He added that perhaps the council has lost their memory on this one.

For the past 15 years, the budget for the Buhing Kalbaryo, live portrayal of the Passion of Christ has been smoothly approved in general and appropriated for by the city council.

This year, it has been questioned.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias proposed a resolution tapping Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds to shoulder the P475,000 target expenses for the annual Good Friday activity.

But Councilor Margot Osmena reiterated that this is not stipulated in the PAGCOR guidelines stalling the approval of the budget.  Buhing Kalbaryo production is supposed to be staged in less than two weeks.

But Rama hoped the council will finally approve so that the annual tradition can be continued.

He hinted that politics could have caused the delay in the budget approval.

“Nganong di man nila ingnon nga dili na pwede  nga activity kay kang Rama na,” he said. (FREEMAN)