JVR asks more funds from council

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes yesterday submitted to the City Council his proposal for first supplemental budget for the year.

The proposed supplement contained a certification from the City Treasurer's Office saying “there are available funds.”

In his five-page letter addressed to Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the mayor submitted the P59.9-million supplemental budget.

Of the amount, the biggest chunk goes to the City Mayor's Office amounting to P19,629,435.19. This covers De los Reyes’ controversial intelligence funds amounting to P9.9 million, which the council slashed from P10 million to P100,000 earlier. Aside from the intelligence funds, the mayor also seeks to increase the other maintenance and operating expenses budget by P4 million.

De los Reyes also wants a supplemental budget of P1.1 million for the Office of the City Administrator.

The Council trimmed the budget for city administration, from P6.833 million to the approved P1.167 million during deliberations on the annual budget.

It can be recalled that De los Reyes vetoed in part the Talisay City Council's budget ordinance. The gap between the executive and legislative departments has widened after the passing of the reduced annual budget.

De los Reyes said that the city's legislature "committed acts beyond its powers" by cutting the original P1.081 billion proposed budget down to P539.941 million.

The trimming, the mayor said, will hamper the delivery of basic services in Talisay.

The current council is dominated by councilors from the Alayon Party, which is Liberal Party's opposition in Talisay.

There are 11 members of the council, seven belonging to Alayon while four are with the LP of De los Reyes. — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)