Quezon City to enforce strict budget measures

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government will implement a strict budgeting system for the next three years under the administration of Mayor-elect Herbert Bautista.

“There will be no new accommodation of personnel and new programs for different offices and departments. And if there will be necessary programs or projects in one department, it must be related to the first program or project implemented or ongoing,” Bautista recently said in a statement.

Bautista, the incumbent vice mayor, will formally assume office on July 1 to replace three-term mayor and now Fourth District Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

During a regular executive meeting, which he presided, Bautista said the city government will observe prudent spending to cope with possible economic problems like the one that hit the United States.

“We should be prepared and anticipate any economic problem that may come our way despite the city’s huge fund and good revenue collection standing for the past years,” he said.

Bautista also called on city hall officials to have at least 10 to 15 percent reserve budget to be utilized during emergencies.

Bautista said his administration with Vice Mayor-elect Joy Belmonte will be anchored on teamwork and open communication among city hall officials and employees.

Bautista also asked revenue-generating offices like the Business Permit and Licensing Office, the Building Permit Office, and the City Assessor’s Office to intensify their collection efforts to boost the developmental programs and projects of the city government.