Negros Occidental Board Member Emilio Yulo III yesterday debunked persistent claims that politics was again to be blamed for the slashing of five items in supplemental budget 6 of the province, that was submitted to them by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. for approval.

Disapproved were the Peace and Order Fund of P9 million, travelling expenses for the Office of the Provincial Agriculture – P300,000; change and variation orders for the transfer of floodlights from the Paglaum Sports Complex to Pana-ad Park and Negros First Ranch shed houses, as well as the concrete paving of Murcia-Alegria CEPAC access road Phase 2.

Board Member Nehemias de la Cruz expressed dismay over what he called the employment of “delaying tactics” by some of his colleagues at the provincial council, citing the failure of the SP to tackle the 2013 budget, that prompted Marañon to request for a special session.
The SP is expected to deliberate on the proposed budget of the provincial government during its regular session today.

Yulo, vice-chairman of the SP committee on Finance and Appropriations, questioned the additional P4.9 million to convert the cattle house to a sheep house at the Negros First Ranch in Brgy. Santa Rosa, Murcia, stressing that only 12 percent of about 5,000 sheep remain at the ranch.

Board member Salvador Escalante,chairperson of the SP committee on Finance, however said Marañon can either appeal, or veto the disapproval of the five items in the supplemental budget number 6, which has a total amount of P21,593,961.

Escalante said that while the explanation for various questions raised by some board members on the disapproved items were substantial, “It is difficult to explain to people who refuse to understand.”* GPB

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