Mayor Rama: P50B budget has basis

CEBU, Philippines — Preventively suspended Mayor Michael Rama has defended Cebu City’s 2023 annual budget of P50 billion that state auditors flagged was based on “unrealistic” revenue projection, saying it did not just come out in thin air.

In a news forum yesterday, he said he is ready to answer all the questions raised by the Commission on Audit (COA), in a proper time and avenue during a “huge presscon.”

“I can answer it at the proper time. Number one, wa man ko maghunahuna anang P50 (billion) just out of thin air, so I will answer it,” he said.

He came up with the amount to fund programs and projects he envisioned would achieve his Singapore-like vision for Cebu City.

In its audit report of Cebu City’s transactions in 2023, COA especially noted multiple unfinished projects and several unliquidated funding, leading it to recommend that the city adopt measures to curb “unnecessary expenditures and unproductive spending.”

State auditors also said Cebu City based its annual budget in the last five years on “unrealistic” revenue projections.

While he declined to mention specifics, saying they are meant to be said in another time, he said he would only discuss the COA findings if corruption was involved.

“I am just letting you know that I am ready but now. Because naa may mga grupo nako. I don’t hit things out of nothing. I always tap cerebral prowess,” Rama said.

“And that P50 (billion), did not come out of thin air so right now, please, (I) reserve (my comment) because I took cognizance about it,” he further said.

Rama also said that he will answer the COA findings with City Hall departments, particularly the Local Finance Committee (LFC) that he said mapped out the plans that resulted in the P50-billion budget.

Meanwhile, he also “corrected” the usage of the term “current administration” in reference to City Hall, saying he would not want it abused.

“Kay mura’g nag-conclude mo nga wa na koy labot ani. Apil mi tanan ani, apil, kanang budget pag-approve ana… apil sila,” he said.

The local media also tried to get his answer on the COA discovering during an inspection last March several Cebu City Medical Center equipment worth P84 million, including those purchased in 2020 yet, that remained unutilized.

He, however, declined to issue any statement, saying that, too, would be answered during the “huge presscon.”

“I am bringing the truth and by that time, truth will set me free. I guarantee,” Rama said. — (FREEMAN)