Talisay SP clears issue about release of funds

CEBU, Philippines - Unless the executive branch issues a request, the Talisay City council will not act on measures with regard to releasing funds for typhoon “Yolanda” victims.

 Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante told The Freeman that the council will wait for the mayor’s request before making decisions concerning the release of funds to avoid controversies.

He said the legislative department is willing to comply with the mayor’s requests.

Following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake, the city council immediately approved a proposal which declared the city under a state of calamity the objective of which was to facilitate the release of the calamity fund.

But this move placed the legislative and the executive branches in a mess for the reason that the city council went ahead with the decision without consulting the mayor’s office.

The decision was allegedly questioned because it came at a time when the barangay elections, was nearing.

Soon after, the city government released money from the calamity fund without the approval of the city council and to buy relief goods for Cebu’s northern towns ravaged by typhoon Yolanda.

He denied reports that the executive and legislative branches are at odds with one another.  (FREEMAN)