‘Serious scrutiny’ necessary – Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Councilor Gerardo Carillo’s ordinance granting solo parents financial aid of P5,000 a year will have to undergo “serious scrutiny” from Mayor Michael Rama before it can be implemented.

“Is it implementable? Will it be open to more problems than solution? So there got to be some serious scrutiny so that it cannot be a matter that creates more problems,” Rama said yesterday.

Rama said he will also consider the stand of Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos who opposed the ordinance, as well as the stand of the councilors who chose not to vote.

He would also need to check if the measure will not overlap with cash aid program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) because it might make Cebu City “a city of dole out.”

“I have a very important role to do before I will sign the ordinance,” Rama said.

With nine councilors in favor, the City Council approved Carillo’s ordinance during its regular session last Wednesday. Delos Santos and Councilor Hans Abella voted against it while Councilors Eugenio Gabuya Jr., James Anthony Cuenco, and Noel Wenceslao abstained from voting.

Delos Santos who remained unconvinced of the ordinance said this needs to be “synthesized” because there are provisions that are reportedly impractical.

“In all honesty, daghan nang niadto sa among barangay captain, magpa-register na kuno sila for solo parents,” she said.

Delos Santos believes the cash assistance will make the parent reliant to the government. She said livelihood projects would be a better alternative.

Going against the measure might not work for her politically but Delos Santos said she would not mind.

“Even if I’m the only one against it, of course with Abella with me, I couldn’t care less because it’s a question of conviction. My consideration is not political, nga you’re serving a marginalized sector mahadlok ka nga dili mobotar nimo,” she said.

She said she can only hope that the ordinance will not be abused politically.

Rama has said that the financial aid to senior citizens will no longer go higher than P10,000 he has promised for the year.

“Be sensitive too, otherwise you will also be accused for not being fiscally sound in your management of the money of the government,” he said.  (FREEMAN)