MAYOR Sebastian Duterte called the city councilor who objected to the Supplemental Budget (SB) 1 of the city government as “papansin” or attention seeker.
In his episode of Basta Dabawenyo on Sunday, one of the topics discussed was the approval of the 20th City Council of the P2.21-billion SB 1.
“Pasagdi na na siya, gahimo na lang na siya og, wala ka kabalo, papansin, papansin gyud (Just let him be. He’s just trying to seek attention),” uttered the mayor referring to the councilor.
To recall, 15 voted “YES” to the measure, Nilo Abellera abstained, and while Bernard Al-ag objected during the third and final reading on Aug. 13.
In a post, Al-ag explained that the proposed P354 million for capability building for the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was “excessive.”
Duterte added the budget goes through the process of scrutiny by the relevant legislative committee for transparency.
“Ang iyaha man gud gina-pugos kay kailangan lalison kay naay binuang sa kwarta, paghilom diha wa kay angay (He wanted to force an argument because he thought we someone was stealing money. Shut up. It’s unbecoming),” he said.
The mayor stressed unfounded allegations are an outdated way of politicking.
The contested P354 million under CSWDO was a “well-considered allocation” before being passed for third reading, according to Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, committee on finance chair.
Ortiz also clarified the proposed budget is for welfare goods & food distribution, contrary to claims it will be used solely for seminars, food, and venue.
The capability-building activity will be participated by 72,000 IPs, 143,393 senior citizens, 6,680 solo parents, 14,436 PWDs, and 78,146 women.
Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado, majority floor leader, said that Al-ag did not only object to a portion of the proposal but opposed the totality of the item.
SB 1 totaled P2,215,702,297.50, comprising the budget under the general fund proper (P951,881,151.77), the development fund of P1,236,373,079.57, and economic enterprises (P27,448,086.16).
