Mayor JVR to ensure slash-free budget

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said he will ensure that his proposed P731.6-million annual budget for 2015 will be approved before the year ends and without being slashed.

This as De los Reyes will be calling for an emergency meeting next week with his four allies in the council to make sure that the budget will be approved.

"I believe that the majority block in the council will slash my budget. Akong ipatawag ang upat aron among ma-discuss," De los Reyes said.

De los Reyes also said the majority block, who are  identified with defeated mayoralty candidate and former congressman Eduardo Gullas and Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, plans to slash the budget significantly so that his administration would reportedly have difficulty addressing public needs.

There are 11 members in the council. Of the 11, seven belong to the Alayon Party of the Gullases while the four are with De los Reyes. They are Councilors Danilo Caballero, Dennis Basillote, Aldin Diaz and Valeriano Ylanan.

The mayor believes that Alayon-dominated council will trim down his proposed budget and will delete some provisions pertaining to funds for the mayor's office, including "intelligence gatherings."

While the reduction of the proposed budget is within the power of the City Council, De los Reyes said the council should set aside its political motives.

The mayor said if the council will reduce his proposed budget, he intends to veto it if he sees there is  political motive in the slashing.

Since there are 11 members in the council, the council needs eight members to override the veto of the mayor.

"The Alayon (party) needs a majority vote, which I believe they can no longer get," he said.

In a separate interview, Caballero, who is an ally of the mayor, said he will vote according to the betterment of Talisay and not according to party affiliation.