Council approves SB No.6 amounting to P23M
The Sangguniang Panlugsod recently approved Supplemental Budget (SB) Number 6 amounting to P23,653,845.30.
Of the total amount, P23,353,845.30 will be used to replenish the amount previously spent by the city government from its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share purposely programmed for the construction of the new Iloilo City Hall building.
In last Wednesday's regular session, the council decided to approve such fund because of its "exigency." The remaining P300,000 was allocated for the "fuel, oil and lubricants" of the Iloilo City Police Office.
According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the city had spent its IRA share in 2006 which is supposed to be alloted for the construction of the Iloilo City Hall building. The P23,353,845.30 will be used to replenish the budget intended for the city hall project. In 2006, the city has P32 million IRA share.
Treñas did not specify what kind of projects the IRA share was used. He, however said the money was spent for worthwhile projects for the benefit of the Ilonggos.
He added that the P23,353,845.30 will be used to fund the initial procedures in the construction which includes the demolition process, pile driving and bidding of architectural design.
The perspective of the building's facade was made by Coscolluela & Associates for free.
With the budget, the city will push first for the demolition of the old building. The offices housed in the old building will transfer to the Robinsons Place.
The city also asked the opinion of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on how to go through with the process to avoid any errors in executing the construction. The DBM sent Atty. Quintin Magsico III, who hails from Antique, to serve as the city's consultant. Magsico used to be a staff of City Councilor Ely Estante prior to his appointment at DBM in Manila, said Treñas.
Apart from the initial funding of P23,353,845,30, the city government also availed of a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines in the amount of P350 million for the construction of the new city hall building.