Mandaue council denies deal for 15 consultants

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue City Council deferred during its regular session Wednesday the approval of the contract for 15 consultants for their failure to submit a performance report.

Only the contract of services for Mario Basconcillo, being consultant on Organizational Development, was approved by the council, as the latter was able to present himself earlier before the body.

It was Councilor Neneta Layese who first asked if the 12 consultants, whose services contracts were supposed to be renewed, were able to submit their performance reports the last six months. Council Secretary Frelyn Manabag responded that except for Basconcillo, the rest were not.

This prompted the council to defer the passage of the contracts of the 12, which had also subsequently resulted to similar action on the contracts for Engr. Oscar Rodriguez, consultant on Urban Planning, Alistair Cortes for Firearms, and Oliver Navarro  for Musical Arts, Culture and Heritage.

The council had earlier approved the contract of Querubin Momongan for his January 1 to June 30 services, but the council withdrew its approval on the same as Momongan had also not submitted his performance report.

Manabag said all consultants are required to submit each month their performance report before they are given their respective honorarium, but they only furnished copies to the executive department.

The council had already approved a resolution requiring them to also furnish copies of the same reports for its scrutiny before it renews the contracts.

Councilor Jimmy Lumapas moved to summon all the consultants to appear before the council so they can present their respective performance reports. This was agreed by the council on mass motion. (FREEMAN)