CH not keen on CCSC management takeover

CEBU, Philippines - Despite seeing the need to correct the management system of the Cebu City Sports Center, Mayor Michael Rama is not interested to take over the management of the facility.

The Internal Control Office and the Assistant City Administrator for Economic Enterprise headed by Atty. Dominic Diño found some inconsistencies in the financial report of the sports center. A copy of which was already received by Rama.

The ICO recently conducted financial audit and physical inventory of the facility upon the order of the mayor. Rama ordered the audit after learning that the facility is not reporting its operation and finances to the city.

The city government built the facility in 1994 to host the Palarong Pambansa on the same year. But after which, a confusion on who will manage the facility ensued. Three entities have contributed to the construction of the facility – the city government for most of the structures, the Department of Education for the lot and the Philippine Sports Commission for the swimming pool.

It was agreed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Education and the City Government then to entrust the management to the city government, thus, the creation of a management committee.

The management committee though does not render a report to the city government while its income also does not go to the city’s treasury.

According to CCSC management, it has been the practice that the income of the CCSC shall not go to the city government so it does not have to undergo the government’s winding process when they need the money for maintenance.

The sports center is a self-sustaining facility of the city government. Its income comes from entrance fees paid by those using the facility. — (FREEMAN)