Council rejects JVR bid for P350M market loan

TALISAY City Mayor Johnny V. delos Reyes’ allies in the Talisay City Council failed to refile a resolution that would authorize him to secure a P350 million loan to build a new market in barangay Tabunok.

The resolution was disapproved in the council’s special session last Thursday. HIs allies  failed to get the majority of six votes.  In yesterday’s regular session, Councilor Aldin Diaz, one of the mayor’s allies, wanted to refile the measure.

However, Councilors Socrates Fernandez, Richard Francis Aznar, Antonio Bacaltos Jr., Doroteo Emit, Raul Cabanero, Edward Alesna and Eduardo Gullas III of the Alayon Party voted not to calendar the resolution.

Diaz together with Councilors Danilo Caballero, Val Ylanan and Dennis Basillote voted in favor of refiling the resolution.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante said the measure was already dead because it didn’t get enough votes for its passage during the special session.   He said there were only six councilors during the special session and only four voted for it.

Six councilors have to vote for passage of the resolution to enact an ordinance that authorizes the “floating of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness” to raise funds for the market project.

Fernandez, former Talisay City mayor, said P350 million is too big for a new market. He said the project can be pursued through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.

De los Reyes said he was dismayed over the council’s rejection and said it reeked of partisan politics.  He said he will raise funds for the project through a “Piso Mo, Merkado Ko” campaign to the public.

De los Reyes said he will also ask for funds from the national government to fund the new market project.