City dad tells JVR: Distribute aid equally

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Association of Barangay Council  president Raul Cabañero will support the passage of the P4 million financial aid to the barangays in the third supplemental budget if it will be distributed equally.

Cabañero, who sits as ex-officio in the city council, yesterday said the aid may be used as a way to promote the political image of Mayor Johnny De los Reyes in this coming election season. 

"Klaro man gyud nga pamolitika ang iyang financial assistance to the barangays. Pamolitika or dili, welcome namo na nga assistance pero kinahanglan i-distribute equally to the 22 barangays ug dili kinahanglang selective," Cabañero told The Freeman.

In the ABC special meeting, Cabañero said the 22 barangays, whether ally or not, should be given aid equally. Each barangay will have an equal share of P181,000 if the amount be equally divided to 22 shares.

"Wala man mi nangayo niini, ang mayor man ang nipasulod niini sa supplemental budget, kinahanglan mahatag ngadto sa tanang barangays ug dili lang sa iyang paborito," he said.

So far, there are 12 barangays that are not allied with the administration. These are Barangays Bulacao, Candulawan, Dumlog, Jaclupan, Lagtang, Lawaan III, Maghaway, Manipis, San Isidro, Tabunok, Tangke and Tapul.

The administration of De los Reyes has at least 10 barangays: Biasong, Pooc, Mohon, Lawaan I, Lawaan II, Linao, Poblacion, Cansojong, San Roque and Camp 4.

Committee chairman on budget and appropriation City Councilor Edward Alesna is set to call department heads -- city treasurer, accounting and budget officer -- to discuss on the proposed P72.8 million third supplement.

The SP 3 was already referred to the committee of the whole, which is composed of all the members of the council. There are 11 members of the council, including the sectoral representative of the barangay affairs and 10 elective positions.

But while the committee budget hearing is yet to be discussed this week, Alesna already said the members of the council are already determined to slash the P5 million intelligence fund requested by De los Reyes.

It can be recalled that De los Reyes last July lodged a mandamus case before the RTC against 10 council members to compel them to review the yearly budget.

Named respondents in the petition were Villarante and Councilors Danilo Caballero, Richard Francis Aznar, Socrates Fernandez, Edward Alesna, Aldin Diaz, Doroteo Emit, Antonio Bacaltos Jr., Eduardo Gullas III and ex-officio member Raul Cabañero.

Only councilors Valeriano Ylanan and Dennis Basillote were not named respondents. The two are known to be the mayor's allies in the council.  (FREEMAN)