'Procedural lapses' cause delay on release of funds for medicines

CEBU, Philippines - Councilor Christopher Alix has complained against procedural lapses in the inclusion of some items for the city’s supplemental budget.

In yesterday’s budget hearing on the proposed P300 million Supplemental Budget 5, Alix pointed out why some of the items of councilors are still not included for funding.

He cited as an example his P3.5 million request for funding for the purchase of medicines for the City Health Department which was supposed to be included in Supplemental Budget 5.

The chairman of the committee on health said his request was already approved by City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and already had an approved resolution from the City Council but was not funded until the present SB 5.

“My point is, we have to know where to approach after, we have the same sentiments with other councilors or departments,” Alix said.

Osmeña, for his part, denied that items are funded only according to those who first approach him.

“Of course, how can I approve something I don’t even know, there has to be a request,” Osmeña said.

Upon learning that Alix request was already approved by his office and had the approved resolution, he said the persons preparing the items for supplemental budgets had to answer for it.

“That’s a good point, I am not shying away from responsibility, but I was not here, the one who prepared it should be made to explain, that item is important that has to be included,” Osmeña said.

It was then decided that Alix’s request for funding will be charged to the city’s Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Funds (PAGCOR Funds) without the need for an amendment of SB5.

Committee on Budget and Finance head Councilor Jose Daluz III said all requests are collated by the City Budget Office. There are times that requests are more than available funds that these do not get funding, he explained.

SB 5 includes loan amortization payment to Land Bank of the Philippines for the South Road Properties (SRP) amounting to over P170 million and road repair and maintenance worth P52 million.

Earlier this month, the City Council approved SB4 amounting to P231 million. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)