SP probe on Leonardia administration’s huge expenses pushed
BACOLOD CITY — A taxpayer who got hold copies of the Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit (COA) for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 recently wrote a letter to Mayor Evelio Leonardia and copy furnished to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, urging the latter to pass a resolution for the immediate investigation on the six items enumerated in the consolidated statements of cash flows of Bacolod City.
Sarah Teresa S. Esguerra who claimed to be a taxpayer and resident of Bacolod City wants to be clarified on the several items she got hold just like the Traveling Expenses incurred by Leonardia Administration amounting to P270.6 million from 2005 to 2008.
She also felt dismayed that the payment for communication expenses reached to P14.7 million from 2006-2008.
“As a resident and taxpayer of Bacolod City, may I respectfully request the Honorable Members of the August Chamber to pass a resolution for the immediate investigation urging the office of the Mayor to clarify and explain the reasons, details and information on the tremendous amount being used on the particular expenses as stated,” Esguerra said.
She also questioned the item on city reforestation projects amounting to P77,872,740.57. “I cannot imagine the reasons why such spending had been incurred specially on items no. 5 and no. 6 since according to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Bacolod City (2001-2007) on pages 151 to 152 of the Environment Sector it states, that No Plan for Forest Management exist because there is no forest area within the city of Bacolod,” Esguerra claimed.
Aside from this item, she also questioned the payment for professional service amounting to P245 million starting 2006 to 2008. Esguerra reiterated that this is people’s money which we have to protect. “In the spirit of transparency and good governance, I am hoping that the above request will be given urgent response for the welfare of our people,” Esguerra added.