Council committee to study P5.2M demanded by caterer

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council’s committee on budget and finance will look into the issue between the city government and a catering service, which is asking for payment for the packed meals that it served to the City during the 2010 polls.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña, who heads the committee, will have at least one week to study the matter, which has already come to a point where Cebu Red Carpet Catering Service filed a civil case, which is now pending before the court.

City Treasurer Diwa Cuevas, in response to a City Council request, has sent a letter explaining the delay of payment to Red Carpet;  Osmeña, though, said in last Wednesday’s session that it was not enough.

“Even with the letter of explanation, it is not clear yet whether the City will pay the catering service or not. What happens now?” Osmeña told the council.

The council eventually pushed for the letter’s referral to the budget and finance committee, which Osmeña welcomed.

Osmeña was also the recipient of a letter from Jose Uy of Red Carpet, who recently asked the assistance of the City Council in collecting from the city government payment for P5.2 million worth of food.

Uy said they need the “long overdue” amount for the construction of their new office as they are transferring to another area.

“We have nobody to turn to other than you, and we appeal to your kindness as this amount is very crucial for our operation, as we will have to move to another location,” Uy said in his letter.

In her letter of explanation, Cuevas said that among other reasons for the payment delay was the lack of approved purchase request, bids and awards committee resolution, purchase order, budget/appropriations to cover such expenses, and notice of award given to the catering services.

“[These] documents are essentially and legally required in the processing of voucher for payment by the City government to the supplier/s following the provisions of the procurement law,” said Cuevas.

The city purchased P5,208,600 worth of packed meals, which were distributed to the Board of Election Inspectors and City Hall employees who served during the 2010 elections, as well as to policemen and Commission on Elections employees. The amount represents three days worth of meals delivered last October 23, 24 and 25, 2010.

Cuevas has said the city will just wait for the court to resolve the civil case Red Carpet filed against the city government in 2012. (FREEMAN)