Guv rejects SP invite for Capitol chiefs
Thanks but no thanks.
Department heads invited by the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan's (SP) Committee on Appropriations are guaranteed 'no-shows' in the seven-day marathon budget hearing.
With the current year's 20% Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) up for discussion, Governor Niel Tupas Sr. through top aide Manuel Mejorada disapproved the permission sought.
The SP invites were coursed through SP Secretary Atty. Lorenzo Tubola addressed to the governor.; A reply was made yesterday with Mejorada forthright with the governor's message.
"The task of formulating the Annual Investment Program (AIP) is a function of the Local Development Council as mandated under Section 108 of Republic Act 7160.; As such, the proposed Annual Development Plan is a product of the collective decision of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Chiefs of Offices concerned cannot presume to speak for and in behalf of the PDC," Mejorada wrote.; "While the various department heads would eventually be tasked to implement these projects, they are not the proper persons to explain the proposed allocations of the 20% IRA Development Fund for Fiscal Year 2008."
The first set of budget hearings would have started yesterday morning while more invites for the rest of the Capitol office chiefs were set today until January 22nd.
"Moreover, Provincial Government Department Heads are not members of the PDC, and they have no legal personality to defend the projects and programs approved by the PDC," Mejorada's letter continued.; "If there are questions, comments or recommendations on the part of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan regarding the Annual Development Program, the same should be directed to the Provincial Development Council which has the sole prerogative of making any revisions or changes to the AIP."
In summing up the 'rejection letter,' Mejorada took note of the participation of Vice Governor Rolex Suplico as committee chair.; While the vice governor's name was not mentioned, Mejorada wrote, "We regret that the Chiefs of Offices cannot be helpful to the Sanggunian on this matter. It might be also pointed out that the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations is a member of the Provincial Development Council and it is presumed he took an active part in the preparation of the AIP."