Andales: Vice Mayor ‘taking hostage’ consultancy contracts

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Sisinio Andales has accused Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella of “holding hostage” the approval of the contracts of some consultants of the city councilors.

“Don’t hold hostage also the other consultants. It will be unfair because they have worked with us also,” Andales told Labella.

This stemmed after the City Council approved yesterday the renewal of contracts of services of three consultants of Mayor Tomas Osmeña. They are Alvin Dizon (special concerns), Nanette Garong (business process outsourcing), and Jesus Doque IV (governance).

All contracts of the consultants of members of the City Council will pass through the office of Labella before it will be endorsed to the legislative body for approval.

Labella, in response, said he is still negotiating with City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, wife of the mayor, for the contracts’ approval.

“There’s pending negotiation so that everybody would have fair chance to have consultants,” Labella said.

Andales said he just wanted to know the status of his consultant’s contract, saying the latter has complied with all the requirements.

Moreover, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera aired her apprehensions on the approval of Dizon’s contract.

“I have heard that the proposed consultant (Dizon) is running for an elective office. Does this mean that his consultancy will be up to December 30?” Pesquera asked.

Andales, who penned the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the contract with the consultants, said consultancy does not have an employee-employer relationship.

Labella said the City Council will address the matter once Dizon will file the certificate of candidacy next week.

On the other hand, Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia has asked the Office of the City Accountant to furnish the City Council the number of consultants under the Office of the Mayor with their corresponding consultancy fees.

A consultant receives a monthly remuneration of P18,000 from the city government, said Councilor Osmeña. — KBQ (FREEMAN)