Budget for charter day celebration questioned

CEBU, Philippines - Some councilors are questioning the proposed budget for activities lined up for the city’s 74th charter day celebration on February 24.

Councilor Lea Japson, head of the charter day celebration committee, has proposed an overall budget of P5,411,945 million, but Councilors Raul Alcoseba and Augustus Pe Jr. pointed out alleged inconsistencies in some prices of items and services City Hall intends to avail of.

For the buffet dinner, for instance, Alcoseba questioned why the city has to spend P1.4 million for the buffer dinner alone. Japson has proposed a budget of P1,000 for each of the 1,200 guests and P220,000 for sound system and technical rider, which also covers stage design and production expenses.

Councilor Margot Osmeña herself commented that the budget per person is “too high” and “inconsistent” with the price of the food even at a five-star hotel

Pe, meanwhile, questioned the budget for the “City Hall Got Talent” event. Japson has proposed a budget of P5,000 for the professional fee of the three judges and another budget of P1,500 for their tokens. Pe said he also wonders how the committee came with the budget for the meals.

“I also wonder as to how they come up on prices on the meals with P50; P100; P150 and some P300,” Pe said.

For her part, Japson explained the proposed budget is not final, as it is still subject for bidding.

“This is not the real amount. It’s still subject for bidding,” she said.

Mayor Michael Rama himself defended Japson, saying the Council can always adjust the proposed budgets. “Ipa-clarify lang na. I’m very thankful to Councilor Japson because she is taking the cudgel to organize and sponsor the resolution for the Charter Day celebration,” he said.

Cebu City became an administrative entity governed by its own charter in 1937. By virtue of its chartered city status, registered voters in Cebu City no longer have to vote for candidates for provincial offices.

The city is governed by officials at City Hall. A mayor heads the governing body, followed by a vice-mayor and 16 councilors. The councilors represent the city’s two districts – the north and south districts. (FREEMAN)