Council does a ‘change of heart’ on projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council yesterday changed tack and gave the "go signal" to Mayor Johnny de los Reyes to enter into a contract with the winning bidder of the 12 previously unauthorized infrastructure projects worth P9.4 million.

During its regular session, the council unanimously voted in favor of the committee report rendered by City Councilor Edward Alesna to uphold the council's authority in confirming and ratifying contracts previously signed by De los Reyes for the infrastructure projects.

Alesna cited an opinion from the Department of Interior and Local Government that states "it shall be considered unenforceable since the contract was entered into by the local chief executive without prior authorization from the sanggunian. However, unenforceable contracts are susceptible to ratification."

Alesna said they wanted to be sure of the authenticity of the same contract through ratification and confirmation, which is a check-and-balance procedure between the legislative and executive branches.

Alesna is the chairman of the committee on appropriation and ways or means.

"Authorize and ratify with the observations and warning to the Local Chief Executive included in the premises of the resolutions on omnibus authority of the 12 projects submitted," Alesna said, adding that the notices to proceed were already issued without the prior approval of the City Council.

BAC Chairman and City Administrator John Yre de los Reyes already endorsed the projects before the City Council for its approval.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the council presiding officer, reminded the local chief executive and the BAC that no contract may be entered into by the mayor without prior authorization by the City Council.

Councilor Socrates Fernandez, chairman of the committee on laws, said he supported the move to ratify the contract, saying there was already spending on the part of the contractors on the projects that have been undertaken.

"The ones who are enjoying and benefitted the projects are also the people of Talisay City," Fernandez said.

In a separate interview, Mayor De los Reyes said once the documents reach his office, he will sign on them.