Poblete denies P400 million CH payables to contractors

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City administrator Jose Mari Poblete denied reports that the city government has roughly P400 million in payables to its contractors.

“When the report came out, I immediately asked for data from the city treasurer’s office. And based on what they gave, it did not reach P400 million. Plus the bulk of the amount is not payable to contractors but more of financial assistance specifically burial,” Poblete said.

Previous reports noted that a document accordingly obtained by the office of Councilor Margot Osmeña from the city accountant’s office said, a total of P366,204,013 is the amount due for payment from 2012 up to February this year.

However, an official daily report for check issuance as of April 10, 2013 stated a total payable amount of P265,428,980.29 as grand total with P264 million from general fund, P1 million from trust fund, and P250,000 special education fund.

Of this, only P31,965,064.79 was noted for suppliers and contractors through the general fund with another P1 million on trust fund and P23,000 for special education fund.

The biggest chunk of the report is for financial assistance specifically for barangay projects amounting to P204 million.

Hospital bills amounted to 386,767.20 while mandated and other remittances reached P10 million.

A separate report of accounts payables as of April 10 noted a total of P47 million with the bulk amount due of P950,000 for burial assistance to Cebu City residents with each recipient given P10,000.

“I am not saying that the list that we got is the complete one but more or less this is the latest update. I will meet with the local finance committee to discuss the matter,” Poblete added.

Mayor Michael Rama reiterated that his opposing political camp should not make a big deal on this because as in the previous years, these will be paid and dealt with.  (FREEMAN)