Tom turns down additional P60M for CH renovation

Mayor Tomas Osmeña is not willing to give in to the request of another P60 million to augment the existing budget for the renovation of the city's legislative building, saying the amount is "too heavy".

The mayor believes the amount is too big considering that the city government has already allocated around the same amount in the original budget.

Dakay Construction will do the renovation after winning over three other bidders with a little over P65 million bidding price. This saved the city government roughly P800,000 from its original budget of P66 million.

Osmeña said the city government cannot just automatically give the amount especially if the same would just be intended for furnishings.

"If we have this kind of capital outlay for one department, what will happen to the people?" Osmeña added, seemingly baffled why the city council offices have to occupy 80 percent of the space at the legislative building.

He said he might consider shelling an amount if it would be used only to install air-conditioning units but not for purchase of brand new furniture.

"I don't see the necessity…if they want everything brand new, no!" he said.

Osmeña cited that his office was bare when he reoccupied the room as city mayor and that he had to personally raise the money to have the office refurbished, including the conference room beside it. No amount was reportedly taken from the coffers of the city government.

In an earlier interview, councilor Gabriel Leyson, chairman of the city's committee on infrastructure, said they would still need additional budget to purchase air-conditioning systems, fixtures and furniture, partitions, and paneling.

Leyson clarified that Osmeña always has the discretion to approve or reduce the P60,000 estimate. What Leyson assured is that the materials that would be purchased by the amount are of high quality.

He further clarified that work would be stalled if Osmeña would not approve the additional amount. Offices at the legislative building have been transferred to rented office spaces adjacent to the city hall. The city council has authorized Osmeña to enter into a contract with three entities for office spaces including CSB Land Incorporated, Yutivo Corporation, and City Savings Bank.

The Cebu City Hall Main Building, which is now officially called the Cebu City Legislative Building has remained to date the city's symbolic seat of power. The three-story building, located across the Magellan's Cross Park, was constructed from 1948 to 1950 and currently holds the office of the city government's legislative branch.

The renovation intends to "preserve the grandeur and the historical significance" of the structure.