Layo denies joining LP
ROXAS CITY – Capiz Board Member Jeffrey Layo, a member of Lakas/Ugyon Kita Capiz, has strongly denied reports he jumped ship to the Liberal Party.
Speculations of his transfer came after he favored the approval of the P7.3-million supplemental budget asked by Gov. Victor Tanco Sr.
“I’m still with my party but the general welfare of the people is always first,” Layo told The News Today.
He said he wants to serve his constituents and prefers to set aside partisan politics for now.
During the last session, Layo was one of the seven board members who favored to suspend the three reading principles to instantly approve the proposed P7.328-million supplemental budget.
The amount has been appropriated for the payment of the three-month salaries of casual employees, gasoline, and lubricants. Part of the budget will also go to the Provincial General Services Office, Capiz Rehabilitation Center, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and Human Resources Management Office.
Board Member James Magbanua then moved to hold its approval in the absence of details.
“I’m not against this supplemental budget nor am I opposed to it, what I want is the breakdown and details of it,” Magbanua said.
Board Member Alwin Cruz-Am of the Liberal Party said the supplemental budget is an urgent matter that should be tackled immediately.
Board Member Remia Fuentes-Bartolome, who took over as presiding officer, divided the house to know the sentiments of each board member.
Aside from Layo, those who voted for the instant approval of the supplemental budget were Board Member Blesilda Almalbis and SK Chairman Bettina Bayot, both Lakas/Uguyon Kita Capiz members. Others were Board Members Roberto Ignacio, Jonathan Besa, Eduardo Magallanes, and Cruz-Am.
Almalbis said she voted for the immediate approval of the supplemental budget because it is needed to pay the salaries of the casual workers and other payables of the provincial government.*
