ILOILO City – Will the Sangguniang Panlalawigan be able to approve in time the P3.7-billion proposed budget for 2019 of the Iloilo provincial government?
Recent developments stalled the deliberations on the proposed P2,747,455,733 for the general fund and P964,797,000 for the local economic enterprise.
The proposal got past the committee on appropriations formerly headed by Board member Nielo Tupas as chairman.
A shakeup on Nov. 20 handed the committee to a new chairwoman, Dorothy Paes, who has yet to decide whether to adopt Tupas’ committee report or hold committee hearings once more.
Vice Gov. Christine Garin remained optimistic that they will be able to pass the 2019 budget before this year ends.
But she noted that she would respect whatever decision Paes makes on Tupas’ committee report and the consequent actions of her committee.
In recent years the Provincial Board would pass an appropriation ordinance for the following year every third week of December.
Stalling other discussions at the Provincial Board was the members’ failure to reach a quorum during their supposed regular session last Friday, Nov. 23 – the first time since convening in June 2016.
Board members were aiming to reach their target minimum of 56 sessions a year. As of Nov. 20 they have held 48.
Seven of 14 members were absent last Friday – some were on leave, others on official business.
On leave were Tupas (vacation), Lorenz Defensor (sick), Bryant Paul Biron, and Licurgo Tirador, while on official business were Paes, Leicel Mondejar-Seville and Ma. Angelica Bianca Requinto.
Only Renee Valencia, Valentin Serag, Demy Sonza, Manny Gallar, Domingo Oso, and Jeneda Salcedo-Orendain, and Vice Governor Garin – the presiding officer – were present.
“This was the first time not only this year but since we started in 2016 … nga waay kami naka-quorum,” said Garin.
Among the agenda on Friday were committee reports, referrals, and other matters. Garin said these may be discussed in the next regular session on Tuesday next week, Nov. 27./PN
