Zambo apologizes to PJ on her ‘violent reaction’ to House autonomy bill

Toledo City Mayor Arlene Zambo yesterday apologized to Cebu 3rd district Rep. Pablo John Garcia for her “violent reaction” towards House Bill 1607, but maintained she is against the bill.

In yesterday’s luncheon for the first-ever Corn Festival held in Toledo City, Zambo told reporters she called up Garcia and apologized at the way she reacted when sought for comment on the latter’s proposed bill.

She pointed out that her reaction came in connection with the call for local government units to be self-sustaining. “I said I’m so sorry for my reaction, but hey, it’s not easy to collect taxes. Where is the essence of autonomy in that?” Zambo said.

Zambo, who just came from a gathering of the League of Cities, said that Toledo City is about to lose P30 million from its Internal Revenue Allotment share of P250 million with the creation of 16 new cities that include Carcar, Bogo and Naga soon.

According to her, Toledo earns around P50 million by itself and that it would certainly be a “very big problem if a chunk is going to be taken from it.”

 “We already have debts and obligations; if bill pushes through, our projects would be left hanging,” Zambo said, adding that the bill would leave their city always at the mercy of the Provincial Capitol and the congressmen.

Garcia, she said, just said “it was okay” and that “they will discuss things over in the future.”

She said she is up for a discussion to see the point of the congressman.

Zambo reiterated that congressmen, being voices of the district, should sit down with the mayors of the municipalities and cities to know their sides since the mayors are the ones more visible to constituents.

Aside from Zambo, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, Jr. also opposed Garcia’s bill.

The bill seeks to grant provinces a 35-percent share of real property taxes collected by component cities. – Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV