The controversial appropriation that has caused divisiveness in the provincial board is expected to be re-filed minus the objectionable portion,  provincial administrator Arnel Francisco said.

Majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had objected to the passage of Supplemental  Budget No. 8  during a lengthy debate that allegedly caused animosities between members of the provincial legislative body.

The governor’s request for a P4.5 million appropriation was junked after  much delay because of what oppositors say are questionable provisions such as the hiring of masons and skilled workers when what is required under the memorandum circular issued by Sec. Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government are  for engineers and technical personnel in the mandatory inspection  of public buildings, whether they can withstand seismic loadings, rigidity, among others.                 

Also brought up during deliberations was the possibility of duplication of functions.

Aside from Memorandum Circular 2011-47, Section 524 of the Local Government Code was also invoked regarding the conduct of inventories of public structures.

Capitol sources said such flaws would have been corrected earlier, if not of the missed sessions, raising suspicion that this  was deliberately undertaken.*JG

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