Dizon pushes austerity measures

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon is requesting the Local Finance Committee (LFC) to prepare belt-tightening measures or guidelines to ensure that public funds are spent on essential projects.

The plan is to be submitted to the Mayor and the City Council for consideration and evaluation of the current financial standing of the city and determine urgent and essential priorities amidst the serious repercussions of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

"The city government should prioritize the use of public funds for projects involving food production, water, health and sanitation, socialized housing, employment generation and alternative livelihood for our people," said Dizon.

Dizon’s request, through a proposed resolution, will be tackled by the City Council during its regular session tomorrow.

Dizon said given the uncertainties of the situation and the serious economic impact of the pandemic, it is prudent for the city government to put in place "belt-tightening measures."

He said the adoption of austerity measures in government, in view of the emergency health situation, is in line with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) National Budget Circular No. 580 dated April 22, 2020.

The City Council has appropriated over P1 billion for the city’s COVID-19 response. Cebu City is currently under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 31 due to the high incidence of COVID-19 cases.  FPL (FREEMAN)