Stalwarts of the Nationalist Peoples’ Coalition in Negros Oriental are headed for a collision course on a specific issue involving an appropriation of P4.5 million, the approval of which was stalled for a number of sessions at the Provincial Board.
Gov. Roel Degamo had requested for the appropriation in relation to Interior & Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo’s memorandum circular 2011-47 directing provincial governors and mayors, among others, for the immediate and mandatory inspection of infrastructure projects including public structures and buildings.
Degamo said he wanted to create monitoring teams in the three districts that necessitate the deployment of skilled and technical personnel.
In Monday’s committee hearing, NPC Board Members Erwin Michael Macias, Rotelio Lumjod, and Vice Gov. Apolinario Arnaiz Jr. said they wanted to avoid duplication of functions to save on government funds.
Arnaiz wanted to look into the appropriateness of the proposed appropriation ordinance, hinting there are other programs that need to be prioritized.
Another NPC member, lawyer Saleto Erames, walked out of the committee hearing upon sensing that his partymates were out to sabotage his measure. He had earlier defended the governor’s request, stressing that his vote is not according to party affiliation but on the side of the people.
In that committee hearing, Provincial Engr. Susano Ruperto Jr. and Provincial Planning & Development Officer Joy Gongob were also invited to talk of their monitoring programs.
Erames made it clear it is not the function of the PPDO to assess, monitor or evaluate the status of public buildings whether they can withstand earthquakes, but to monitor implementation of projects and to submit reports of slippage or non implementation and the like, but definitely not on the technical aspect, he added. (PNA/Juancho Gallarde)