City dads question blowing up of 2014 budget for DPS, SRP

CEBU, Philippines - Some members of the Cebu City Council has questioned the doubling of the projected expenditures in at least two City Hall departments during the series of deliberation of the proposed 2014 annual budget.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairman of the committee on budget and finance, has scrutinized the abrupt increase of the proposed budget of the Department of Public Services (DPS) and the South Road Properties (SRP) Management.

“The same expenses are under different department pero double usahay or triple pa jud,” Osmeña exclaimed.

The proposed miscellaneous services for garbage collection and disposal program increases to P102 million from this year’s P40 million; and supplies and materials for motor vehicles from P3 million ballooned to P15 million next year.

DPS chief, Engr. Dionisio Gualisa, explained that the P102 million is intended for the tipping fees for the disposal of garbage in the private sanitary landfill in Consolacion since the volume of garbage being disposed has increased in previous months.

Gualisa said with the arrival of new garbage trucks, the city is also able to collect more than 200 tons of garbage a day compared to 150 tons two months ago.

There are a total of 43 garbage trucks, 33 of which are being maintained by the DPS while the remaining 10 are in different barangays.

Councilor Nida Cabrera, Chairman of the Committee of Environment requested Gualisa to submit pertinent papers indicating the daily disposal in Consolacion.

However, Gualisa said the city has still unpaid billings to the owner of the landfill amounting to P15 million from October 15 to December 30, including the salary of the job orders.

Osmeña said there were P2.3 million obligated amount and additional P10 million supplemental budget.

Councilor Alvin Dizon as well questioned the P6.7 million proposed amount for the procurement of 500 tires intended for the 140 vehicles under DPS.

Gualisa said they are changing tires every two years.

Osmeña further questioned the P6.4 budget for the repair and maintenance of artesian wells in the entire city considering they are discouraging the water system.

 Dizon added that artesian well is alarming because it contribute to salt water intrusion.

 Gualisa said out of  2,000 artesian wells, only 70 percent is operational. Each well costs P200,000.

 On the other hand, the SRP management also has proposed P13.6 million for salaries of the job orders and security guards.

 The P2.6 million approved for maintenance, job orders and communicators for this year is increased to P5.6 million next year while P2.6 million appropriations for SRP guards also increased to P8 million.

 SRP project officer Jomar Abuyador said the increased in amount is due to the major developments at SRP including SM Seaside City, Filinvest residential buildings, Bigfoot, Japanese retirement facility, and among others.— (FREEMAN)