PB sets budget hearings next week

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board is set to hold a series of budget hearings of the P2.6 billion proposed 2014 appropriations of the Province of Cebu submitted by Governor Hilario Davide III.

The proposed annual budget is now pending before the PB committee on budget and appropriations chaired by Board Member Grecilda Sanchez for review.

“May I then request that we review the proposed 2014 budget in the coming days thru a series of committee meetings and budget hearings with the firm belief and confidence that this August body will be heard by the Governor,” said Sanchez in her prefatory message during the approval on first reading of the proposed measure.

Sanchez has reminisced the concerns of her late father, vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., who fought for the independence of the legislative department.

“He fought and won a desperate fight. However, he did not live to see the fruits of his labor. He may have gone before us, but the fruits of his struggle lives after him,” Board Member Sanchez said.

She thanked Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale for the courage, determination and political will that has contributed to what the body has become today otherwise the efforts of her father could have been wasted.

The late vice governor raised before the Department of Interior and Local Government the alleged encroachment of  power resulting to the six months suspension of then governor and now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“Today, we have democracy in action and not tyranny, we have equality and not partiality, there now exist checks and balance and most importantly,” Sanchez said.

She said that respect exists between the two co-equal branches of government in the Provincial Capitol and the independence of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is evident in the exercise of its legislative duties vis-à-vis the discharge by the Governor of its executive functions, as well.

“Our new found unity today, in support to the plans of the governor is an envy of those before us and those under similar circumstances. The torch of freedom and liberty of the legislative has now been forwarded to us by our predecessors,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez added that they can now offer an “honest and transparent” provincial government led by Davide and their “work can then go on smoothly and effectively.”—(FREEMAN)