Dizon wants Labella’s P2.5 million travel fund cut

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon is lobbying to slash the proposed P2.5 million travel expenses for the Office of the Mayor for 2021.

“The mayor has the right to ask for budget for travel expenses, but since we are in a pandemic, we need much needed funds for the city government’s continued pandemic response,” said Dizon.

Of the P2.5 million, P1 million is allocated for the international trips, while P1.5 million is for the domestic ones.

“My appeal to the executive department and to all the offices diri sa City Hall nga minusan lang ang budget sa traveling expenses because si Vice Mayor Mike Rama also shared the same sentiment nga nganong mobyahe man ta next year nga we are in a public health crisis, naay travel restrictions. We are exposing our personnel, our officials to possible infection,” said Dizon.

“I-reduce lang gud kay, you know, og computon nato, lets say, naa’y ma-save nga traveling expenses nga P1 million, that’s equivalent to 500 sacks of rice,” he said.

Mayor Edgardo Labella, for his part, said that it is not necessary that the whole P2.5 million budget will be spent.

“Well actually, it is not that we will really consume the entire P2.5 million, just in case there is a compelling need especially that there are many smart cities like Japan, China, and sister city relationships... It is not really that we have to spend all. Just in case because there might be other officials in the city also who join the trip,” said Labella.

Apart from the travel expenses, Dizon also suggested the city should also save on other items.

“Kinahanglan pud ta mosave sa ubang items like kanang mga snacks because ganina City Administrator Office requested for P700,000 budget for snacks, accommodation, and other related expenses,” said Dizon.

“Para nako, dili siya appropriate nga ingon ana kadako. I’m not saying nga di nato budgetan, but perhaps, in a reduced amount kay magamit nato ang whatever funds masave nato. Atong marealign for more essential programs and projects,” he added.

Dizon said usually, meetings now are done virtually, so there is no need for snacks.

He said if the city will have a budget for snacks, it should not be that big.

The City Council has already been conducting a budget hearing on the proposed P10.8 billion budget for 2021.

Dizon said the budget hearing will continue next week since today is a holiday. — KQD (FREEMAN)