Garcia decries ouster from appropriation's committee
GARCIA
City Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia expressed bitterness over her sudden removal as vice chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on appropriations last week.
Garcia claimed she was ousted from the committee without prior notice.
In last Wednesday's regular session, Garcia spoke on personal privilege airing her grievances over the shabby treatment she received from Councilor Jose Espinosa III, chair of the powerful committee on appropriations. Garcia was replaced by Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo.
Garcia only came to know that she is no longer the vice chair of the committee on appropriations during the deliberation for the supplemental budget number 2 last June 28, 2006. It was Councilor Perla Zulueta who inquired if who is the vice chair, Garcia or Peñaredondo.
In her speech last Wednesday, Garcia said she never had a shortness of memory when it comes to committee assignments. "Right from the beginning I know my job fully well and I am aware of my responsibility to the public."
She added that it was Espinosa himself who offered her the vice chairmanship of the committee on appropriation two years ago. "I believe that I can handle the job anyone else in this august body which is to manage and appropriate funds whose goal is to protect the people's money in order to benefit the interest and the general welfare of our taxpayer."
The lady councilor also flaunted her 18 long years of experience as a corporate banker and manager of a reputable financial institution prior to her entry in the politics.