ATM booth stirs controversy in Sta Fe

CEBU, Philippines - Some councilors of Santa Fe in Bantayan Island have questioned the construction of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) booth beside the town’s public market for lack of authority from the municipal council.

Councilor Jayson Repaso said that the situation is a “classic case of a cart ahead of the horse.”

 Repaso said that during their session on May 8, 2017, Councilor Lovely Cabrera asked what structure is being built beside the public market. Councilor Roel Cabrera told the members of the council that it was an ATM booth of Philippine National Bank.

 Lovely questioned the construction because it did not have the authority from the council. The body also did not authorize then mayor Jose Esgana to enter into a contract with PNB.

“Busa di malikayan ang pagduda nga naa nay kasabotan tali sa mayor ug management sa PNB sa pagtukod og permanent structure para sa ATM diha sa merkado publiko ug kini gisugdan na nga wala pay consultation sa mga tawo ug approval sa konseho sa atong lungsod,” said Repaso in his Facebook post.

 Repaso, a lawyer by profession, said the structure is illegal. He, however, clarified that he is not against it provided that all the required processes are complied with. He said he also wants ATM booths available in the town considering that it is a tourist destination.

In fact, he authored a resolution requesting banks to put up ATM booths in the municipality.

“Ang ato lang gikahibugngan ngano gidalidali pagtukod ang istraktura sa PNB alang sa ATM nga wala pay pagtugot sa konseho,” he said.

They are questioning the legality of some provisions of the agreement signed by Esgana and the PNB officials for being disadvantageous to the municipal government.

Repaso pointed out the free use of 12 square meter property and the exclusivity of the town for PNB ATM booths alone for a period of 10 years. Another provision that they are questioning is the legality of providing free security, janitorial services, electrical and lighting facilities, free monthly rentals, and expenses for repairs and maintenance of the ATM premises by the municipal government.

 “Ang giprotektaran sa konseho nga dili madihado o maalkanse ang munisipyo ug katawhang Santafehanon,” Repaso added. (FREEMAN)