Pinamungajan town birthing center closed

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Glenn Baricuatro explains fees were collected despite lack of ordinance

Two days after new leaders assumed office, a government official already sought the help of Governor Hilario Davide III for a concern in a municipality allegedly involving “politics.”

Pinamungajan Vice Mayor Honey Yapha went to the office Davide yesterday following the alleged order of Mayor Glenn Baricuatro to close the municipality’s birthing center.

In an interview with the media, Yapha said Baricuatro has given the Sangguniang Bayan of the town a dilemma since he wanted them to make an ordinance on the use of the birthing center.

But Yapha said that the birthing center is supposedly free of charge for their constituents and if they pass an ordinance, they would need to specify the charges of the services the center offers.

“Karon iya na i-put ang Sangguniang Bayan na nuon on the dilemma and the blame na maghimog ordinansa unya masuko na ang katawhan nato na maghimo tag ordinansa nga magpabayad sa pagpanganak.”

Yapha added that the birthing center was donated and the Municipal Government did not spend for it, even for the equipment.

The birthing center was reportedly closed outright the previous day without any information extended to her and the legislative body, even at least for courtesy, said Yapha.

Upon knowing of the closure order, Yapha said she called the members of the SB but they could not tackle it as of now because they have yet to hold their inaugural session.

“I told Governor Davide that we are seeking his help and the Department of Health.”

Davide said he asked Yapha to have their concerns in writing so that he can officially act on it.

But in a phone interview with Mayor Baricuatro yesterday with The Freeman, he said he temporarily had the birthing center closed upon receiving complaints that patients were paying for the use of the services of the birthing center.

“Dili ka collecta kay wala man enabling ordinance nga mag set ug bayranan,” said Baricuatro, adding that they would be made liable by the Commission on Audit or the Office of the Ombudsman if the set up continues.

He also clarified that he never mentioned before that he would have the services of the birthing center for free, although he is amenable to it as long as the municipal health officer agrees.

Baricuatro said he has yet to speak with Yapha on the matter but assured that they have the same desire to have the services for free.

“I hope one of these days magkaistoryahay mi. Labaw na ko nga ganahan na free,” said Baricuatro, denying allegations that politics is involved in the concern.

Yapha had said that they would not want to conclude that Baricuatro is “politicking,” said Yapha, considering that the birthing center is a project of former mayor Geraldine Yapha.

“Pero you cannot blame us in thinking na namolitika siya kay basically yesterday all our job orders wala na niya gipa-trabaho kay magbutang kuno siya ug iya.”

Baricuatro said, though, that around 20 to 30 workers were not asked to report since there is no formal order yet for their services with the start of the new administration.

But focusing on the concern of the birthing center, Baricuatro said he immediately called the municipal health officer to discuss the matter and hopefully would be able to sit down with Yapha on the issue.

“Ako gusto nako free na, dili lang ko gusto nga dunay collection nga walay resibo, nga walay ordinansa.”

Baricuatro won against Estrella Yapha, mother of former mayor Geraldine Yapha who ran for congress but lost.

Vice Mayor Honey Yapha sought reelection and won against Baricuatro’s runningmate, Marcelo Gerongco.

Baricuatro is from the One Cebu party while the Yaphas are with the Liberal Party. —(FREEMAN)