SP defers approval of P.5 M police assistance

By Maricar M. Calubiran

ICPO Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista

The Sangguniang Panlungsod recently deferred the request of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) for a financial assistance of P560,360 from the city government.

The budget for the supposed financial assistance to the police was included in the Supplemental Budget (SB) Number 5 of the city that was approved last Wednesday’s regular session. The SB Number 5 amounted to P8,433,743.25.

City Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the committee on police matters, sought for the deferment of the inclusion of the financial assistance to the PNP. He said the city could not extend financial assistance to the police until ICPO Director Sr. Supt. Norlito Bautista justifies the purpose of the requested budget.

With Plagata’s objection, the P560,360 budget was considered as unappropriated balance. The money is still available.
 
In the PNP’s breakdown of financial assistance, P100,000 would go to the gasoline expenses, oil and lubricants; P41,080 for maintenance of motor vehicles and P419,280 as capital outlay for equipment, purchase of motorcycles and for computerization.

Plagata said he has already called the PNP but until last Wednesday, nothing was heard on the part of the police official. “It seems to be that there was no effort on their part to explain the expenses,” Plagata said.

The councilor also told the body that as the chair of police matters he wants to know the priorities of the police. There are three police patrol vehicles in the motorpool that needs to be repaired. The clearance section of the ICPO is also not computerized.