Treñas assures SEF is spent wisely
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said there is nothing to be alarmed in the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) as all transactions related to the program are done above board. The disbursement of the fund is approved by the Local School Board.
Treñas's reaction was in the wake of reports relative to the complaint of Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Stevie Rey Abitang on the unexplained disbursement and channeling of the SEF to the Iloilo City Sports Council. Currently, the SEF amounted to P2.5 million.
Ironically, the Iloilo City Sports Council is run by the chief executive though it is being chaired by Councilor Jose Espinosa III. Espinosa has designated Rommel Castro to take charge of the city's sports program.
Treñas said the release of the funds passes through the approval of the City Treasurers Office, City Accounting Office and the City Budget Office. The funds released for whatever sports program is also subject for liquidation. The city only allocates funds to sports program allowed by the memorandum circular.
The chief executive also said Abitang did not complain on the use of the SEF in the different sports program. The SK sometimes also ask funds from the SEF for their sports program. Whenever they ask, the city also apportion some funds for them, said Treñas.