For the third time, the majority bloc of the Cebu City Council turned down a move to deliberate on the proposed P2.8-billion supplemental budget 1 (SB1).
By next week, the Council is expected to decide whether to approve the use of its only identified fund source – P3.9 billion in proceeds from the sale of lots in the South Road Properties (SRP).
COUNCILOR GERARDO CARILLO
If this is rejected as a fund source for SB1, the executive department led by Mayor Michael Rama will have to identify other sources for immediate needs such as an P87 million additional budget for garbage hauling and tipping fees and P77 million for Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for City Hall employees.
Councilor Gerardo Carillo, in a privilege speech, moved to resume budget talks and lift a prior council decision to defer discussion of SB 1.
He cited the ruling of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) denying Romulo Torres’s application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the use of the SRP lot sale proceeds.
“Now that the court has spoken, it’s the turn of the City Council to respond. For once, let us be honorable. I move to lift the suspension of SB-1,” said Carillo, who is seeking election as congressman under Team RAma.
But the majority bloc, members of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK), remained unconvinced.
Councilor Margot Osmena said that while the court has denied the TRO application, the case could still continue.
“We don’t like being accused of obstructing approval and depriving residents of Cebu City. We don’t like to be kontrabida (villains). But let’s listen. We have, time and again asked the mayor to sit down and discuss but he said no, the Council could not dictate on him,” Osmeña said.
Councilor Sisinio Andales agreed that it was premature for the council to discuss SB 1 since the court case can still proceed.
If the court rules against using the fund, he said the council may end up having to refund the appropriated amount the same way it was required with the P20,000 calamity aid after typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Councilor Hanz Abella, a lawyer, disagreed. He said that since there is still no TRO issued against the Council, they can proceed with SB1.
After lengthy discussion, the council voted 9-6, denying Carillo’s request to lift the deferment of SB1.
Those who voted against the move were Osmeña, Andales, Mary Ann de Los Santos, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Alvin Dizon, Lea Japson, Nida Cabrera, Roberto Cabarrubias and Alvin Arcilla.
Those who voted in favor of resuming budget discussions were Carillo, Abella, Richard Osmeña, Noel Wenceslao, James Anthony Cuenco and Phillip Zafra.
Councilor Dave Tumulak was outside the session hall during the voting although he was inside during the discussion.
The proposed SB1 was discussed again after Councilor Alvin Arcilla delivered a privilege speech and questioned two items in the budget — a P5 million outlay for terminal leave benefits of the City
Hall employees and the payment for food in a restaurant.
Eleven employees would benefit from the terminal leave, he said.
The top three are General Services Office chief Engr. Dionisio Gualiza (P1.89 million), former councilor Jose Daluz III (P700,000) and former city councilor Eduardo Rama Jr. (P810,464).
If they want to spend proceeds from the SRP sale for terminal leave benefits, include everyone, not just those allied with the administration,” said Arcilla.
He said an employee had earlier asked him to have her terminal leave benefits released because her spouse was expensive undergoing dialysis.
She was not on the list of beneficiaries of the P5 million.
Arcilla also cited a P99,200 outlay as payment for Knockbox Pizzeria for food served during the Rakrakan sa Sugbo 2014.
While Arcilla did not mention names, Knockbox is owned by the girlfriend of Councilor Carillo.
“Won’t we be cited for conflict of interest? These are the only two items I found anomalous. It’s just right that the council remain vigilant. We should really sift through the SB1,” Arcilla said.