Council slams Osmeña for junking resolution

The city council has deemed it inappropriate for Mayor Tomas Osmeña to veto the approved resolution appropriating P215,000 aid to the Cebu City Cooperative Development Council.

The council pointed out that Osmeña can only veto approved ordinances or resolutions on the city's investment and development plans, but not this particular measure considering that the city council has the power to appropriate such funds.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama also questioned why the mayor vetoed the resolution when it was Osmeña who approved the budget proposal submitted by the CCCDC to defray the expenses for its Cooperative Month celebration in October.

"Are you not seeing the ridiculous situation? We wanted to support the executive that is why we approved that measure and then suddenly he would veto it? He rejected my signature," Rama said, adding that this matter leaves the city council in quandary.

Rama asked to be temporarily replaced as the council's presiding officer by Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, the majority floor leader.

The overall budget proposal of CCCDC was P325,000, but Osmeña signified that the P300,000 would be charged to the city's share of Pagcor funds.

Councilor Procopio Fernandez, the CCCDC chairman, had earlier sought Osmeña's approval on the budget proposal because the council can only approve appropriations chargeable to Pagcor funds.

On August 17, the council approved Fernandez's resolution appropriating funds for the CCCDC in line with the celebration of the Cooperative Month. The fund, however, was reduced to P215,000.

The council approved Rama's motion, as amended by Councilor Edgardo Labella, requesting the mayor to clarify his stand on the resolution.- Cristina C. Birondo