When giants fight

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It was sad day for officials and employees of the Negros Occidental Provincial Government yesterday when the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, or Provincial Council, turned down the budget proposed for the year 2013. Reporters covering the deliberation, and interviewing the personnel later, noted that an air of gloom had settled on the group that did not at all jibe with the festive air that characterizes the season.

But why would the rank and file be so concerned over what their officials had approved, or have earmarked for the expenses and disbursements of the province for next year? It was because that same budget was supposed to include an allocation that would have greatly benefitted them in the form of additional income, especially salary increases, that would help tide them over as prices and costs of living expenses continue to rise.

Those who objected to the budget and its provisions may have their reasons, especially regarding items or projects they believe are neither reasonable nor are matters of priority. It is likely, too, that they had raised objections or proposed amendments in order to protect the finances of the province. In that they are exercising their rights to, in a manner of speaking, “check and balance” at their level, the expenditures to be met by the administration next year.

But to the employees, the workers who had been looking forward to the extra amount that, apparently they had been made to expect, that was a very disappointing and demoralizing blow that must surely affect their anticipation of the joys of the season.

There are some who are blaming politics as the reason why the majority of the SB members had opted to turn down the budget they had banked on. Developments in the past few months seem to indicate some truth in that speculation. Isn't there a saying that when giants fight, the ants get trampled on?*