Suplico scores guv, 5 capitol execs on continued use of '07 Budget
After learning of continued defiance on the supposed effectivity of the 2008 Capitol budget, Vice Governor Rolex Suplico now made official his objection to his uncle, Governor Niel Tupas Sr. and five of his top department heads.
Calling it his "continuing protest and opposition" to the governor and the five department heads' "unlawful acts," the vice governor wrote Tupas, Provincial Budget Officer Elena Lim, Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan, Provincial Accountant Lyd Tupas, Provincial Planning and Development Office Chief Mario Nillos and Human Resource Chief Alma Ravena.
The five Capitol chiefs and the governor shared same letter dated March 24, 2008 that focused on the purported illegal application of the 2007 Reenacted Budget based on the governor's Executive Order 047.
Copies of said letter were sent out to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Audit (COA).
Unlawful acts, Suplico insisted that he is objecting anew "without prejudice to any legal actions that I and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or anyone may opt later."
"On January 10, 2008, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan enacted the 2008 Budget for the General Fund (PS,MOOE and CO). On January 29, the Governor vetoed the same. On February 12, and by a vote of 10-3, the Governor issued EOE 047, declaring the operation of the 2007 Reenacted Budget and supplemental budgets, including the 20% IRA DF," the letter went. "By operation of law, therefore, the 2008 Budget is now in effect, despite your foregoing unlawful acts."
The Vice Governor then went on to state his intent to continue dispensing with his Legislative duties while stressing a 'condition.'
"However, in the interest of the general welfare and in order not to disrupt the operations of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, I, or, any official acting in my behalf, will continue to sign checks and other documents based on Section 323, RA 7160," the Vice Governor wrote while adding, "Please construe our signatures as authorizations for disbursements under the 2008 Budget."
Meantime, budget review is ongoing at the DBM amidst these continued exchanges in office orders and memorandum between the Executive and Legislative department of the Iloilo Provincial Government.