Proposed brgy aid raises councilor's brows

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Dennis Basillote has questioned the proposed P100,000 financial assistance for the socio-cultural activities to Barangay Dumlog, prompting members of the Council to be divided on the issue.

Association of Barangay Council President Raul Cabañero, who sits as an ex-officio member in the City Council, passed a resolution during a session asking Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to appropriate funds for the conduct of an activity in Dumlog.

The request was made by Dumlog Barangay Captain Nelson Abellana.

But Basillote, who hails from Dumlog, questioned the approval of the resolution.

Basillote said the fiesta celebration of the barangay has already been done and the request is "highly questionable" since there was no letter request from Dumlog's San Vicente chapel officials.

City Councilor Aldin Diaz, who is a former barangay councilor of Dumlog, said there are series of activities in the barangay every April, May, August, October and November.

Basillote's son, former barangay councilor Rex, ran for barangay captain in Dumlog but lost to Abellana.

"Ilaha ra nang ilaag nang financial assistance. Wala pa gani na sila maka-liquidate sa assistance last year," Basillote added.

Cabañero, however, pointed out that political bickering in Dumlog has nothing to do with his sponsorship for the resolution since the barangay officials asked and requested him.

"They requested me to sponsor a resolution. If there is politics in Dumlog, it's their internal problem, not ours," Cabañero said.

However, Basillote insisted that it should be turned down, which prompted Cabañero to ask for the division of the house.

With eight votes against two - Basillote and City Councilor Valeriano Ylanan - the resolution of Cabañero was approved last Tuesday. (FREEMAN)