Postponement of hearing poses no negative impact

CEBU, Philippines — The budget hearing for the proposed annual budget of 2020 amounting to P10.4 billion for Cebu City that Mayor Edgardo Labella had submitted was moved to Monday.

The budget hearing was supposed to resume yesterday with the local finance committee as the first to present regarding the source of funds.

However, the department heads requested for it to be rescheduled because they still have a seminar with the civil service on the same day.

Despite the slight delay on the budget hearing, Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Committee on Budget and Finance chairman, assured that the annual budget poses not detrimental impact.

He said the postponement of the budget hearing has no negative implications since it will still be used by January 2020.

“Even if we approve it on December, wa gyuy problema... I don’t see any reason why nganong dili ni mopasar,” said Garcia.

He assures that the proposed annual budget 2020 will be approved before the year ends.

“Akong target ani nga ma-approve, at the very latest, first week of December,” he said.

Meanwhile, City Treasurer Arlene Rentuza signed the proposed annual budget but “with reservation.”

Garcia said the City Council would want an explanation why Rentuza signed it with reservation, but said such will not affect for the approval of the annual budget.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama on Thursday afternoon has suspended the budget hearing after he found out that only one member of the local finance committee of the executive department, which plays a vital role in the hearing, was present.

Rama said all members of the committee should be present in the budget hearing to present the source of funds for the annual budget.

He said there are vital matters that should be discussed with the local finance committee, such as why Rentuza signed the proposed annual budget 2020 “with reservations” and when will the city government have a regular treasurer.

Attorney Jerone Castillo is currently the acting City Treasurer. GAN (FREEMAN)