Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday denied that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental is being strict about the approval of the loans and budget proposed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

After several weeks of deliberations on an ordinance for a P240 loan release sought by the governor, the SP Committee on Finance has recommended its passage.

The ordinance will authorize Marañon to negotiate with the LandBank of the Philippines, and sign for and in behalf of the provincial government, all loan documents, intended for the construction of phase two of the Negros First Cyber Center worth P170 million, and an additional six classrooms at the Negros Occidental High School, with a budget of P10,160,454.

Originally, the construction of the three-storey Provincial Administration Center annex building, at a budget of P50 million, was included in the ordinance, proposed by Marañon to the SP.

Alvarez also denied that he is influencing members of the SP to decide against the loan release sought by Marañon.

Stressing that he is only the presiding officer, Alvarez asked “ How could I influence them, since they are all very intelligent?”

Alvarez said he always adjusts to the sentiments of the SP members, and avoids debates and discussions.

As for the proposed P2.2 billion budget for 2013, Alvarez said he sees no problem with its passage, unless the provincial council members raise some questions on its contents.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, SP Committee on Finance chairman, said they will need two-thirds, or nine votes of the SP to pass an ordinance approving the loan sought by Marañon.

The ordinance was not approved on second reading last week by the SP for lack of quorum.

It is expected to be taken up by the SP during its regular session today, as well as a proposed ordinance creating a task force that will negotiate with the Philippine National Bank for the utilization of its vacant space, for use by three Capitol departments.

However, it is not certain if the SP will have a quorum today.*GPB

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