Archival cool on Osmeña’s attacks

CEBU, Philippines — Despite intensified criticism from Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who described proposed Supplemental Budget No. 1 worth nearly ?1 billion as a “big mess,” Mayor Nestor Archival has opted to remain calm and avoid a direct confrontation with his party mate and political mentor.

Archival acknowledged Osmeña’s concerns but maintained that the city government was observing proper procedures in seeking approval of the ?964.19 million additional appropriations.

Rather than respond sharply to Osmeña’s remarks, Archival explained that the proposal had been under discussion for weeks, tackled in meetings with department heads, and endorsed by the Cebu City Development Council before reaching the City Council floor.

Earlier, Osmeña said the budget lacked clarity and discipline, with several items allegedly included without proper justification. Archival, however, said the proposal was driven by urgent needs.

He noted that Cebu City had already allocated ?500 million for garbage management but was forced to seek another ?500 million after disposal costs doubled following the transfer of waste hauling operations from Binaliw to Aloguinsan.

Without the added funds, he warned, the city risked becoming “hugaw kaayo nga area,” recalling public frustration when garbage had to be temporarily staged at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Archival also cited other priorities covered under SB1, including subsidies for drivers to help sustain public transport operations amid rising fuel prices, funding for artisan wells to address the dry spell, and the reallocation of Local Development Fund projects whose costs had decreased since 2022.

He added that some projects previously removed from the budget had already been awarded, with purchase orders and contracts already in place, making it necessary for the city government to settle payments for delivered items.

The Committee on Budget and Finance, chaired by Councilor Dave Tumulak, held a hearing last Thursday to gather inputs from department heads despite Osmeña’s objections.

Osmeña ordered those present to leave and called for the suspension of the hearing, but Tumulak refused, saying the committee was following established procedure. Archival likewise emphasized that the structured process was required by law.

Osmeña had also criticized Archival’s appointment of city administrator Engr. Albert Tan. But the mayor again declined to retaliate, saying that “one cannot please everybody.”

By consistently choosing restraint, Archival projected steadiness amid growing political tensions, even as the vice mayor’s attacks on his administrator and the proposed budget became sharper. — (FREEMAN)