City council rejects budget amendments

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council rejected the proposal of Councilor Jose Daluz III  to amend the 2013 annual budget including the provision that prohibits the mayor to use any savings from the approved budget without prior approval from the City Council.

Thirteen city legislators, all allied with the Bando-Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan of Rep. Tomas Osmeña, voted to disapprove the proposed amendments, while only Daluz and Councilor Edgardo Labella voted for its approval.

Councilor Edu Rama, who is an ally of Team Rama, was absent yesterday.

Daluz proposed to use savings from the 2013 annual budget to augment depleted funds of any department under the Office of the Mayor.

He also proposed to amend the provision in the ordinance that the P300 million for the city’s scholarship program must only be used to pay the tuition of the scholars and for their allowances.

Daluz wanted that three percent of the amount, which is equivalent to P9 million, be used for administrative expenses like testing fees, school supplies, printing of certificates among others.

 He also proposed that the releasing of cash assistance to senior citizens and persons with disabilities be done quarterly instead of giving it in June and December.

However, the City Council already agreed in last week’s session to release the allowance for senior citizens monthly.

Daluz also proposed to omit the provision in the ordinance that the P88.9 million allocated for gasoline and lubricants shall be used only for vehicles of the barangays and those owned by the city.

According to Daluz, the provision means that police cars and fire trucks cannot be refilled at the city’s depot. — (FREEMAN)