Talisay ABC chief top LAF spender

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Talisay City has spent the biggest amount of Legislative Assistance Fund among all the members of the City Council.

On the contrary, Councilor Eduardo Gullas III was the most frugal among the councilors in terms of spending his LAF or the local version of congressional pork barrel. 

Councilor Raul Cabañero, an ex-officio member representing the 22 barangays, has already spent P361,196 of his LAF mostly to socio-cultural activities and purchase of uniforms for barangay tanods.

Each of the 12 members of the City Council, including the presiding officer, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, is entitled to P1 million LAF to implement “soft” and “hard” projects.

Gullas, in contrast to Cabañero, has only spent P80,000 of his LAF for socio-cultural activity in Barangay San Isidro and construction of drainage in Barangay Dumlog.

 Councilor Antonio Bacaltos spent P352,654; Edward Alesna, P322, 654; Doroteo Emit, P307, 654; Valeriano Ylanan, P284, 696; Danilo Caballero, P267,196; Francis Richard Aznar, P263,696; Aldin Diaz, P244, 654; Socrates Fernandez, P201, 600; and Dennis Basillote, P116, 940.

Based on the consolidated accomplishment report submitted by the City Council secretariat, the councilors spent over P1 million to finance infrastructure projects and purchases of uniforms for barangay tanods, construction of drainage and multi-purpose hall while only P384,500 was spent for fiesta assistance.  (FREEMAN)