4-member Cebu City Council Changes Heart, Revives PHP6-B Budget

The four-member Cebu City Council, which rejected the PHP6-billion proposed annual budget of Acting Mayor Margarita Osmeña last Monday, has decided to revive it on Wednesday.

The council’s session on Wednesday was the local legislative body’s penultimate session before its term ends on June 30.

The council decided to revive the budget after Cebu City Councilor Richard Osmeña made a privilege motion, pleading for the continuation of the deliberation of the annual budget for the sake of the city’s employees.

The budget also includes PHP88 million for the mid-year bonus of the city’s 5,200 officials and employees.

“In view of the recent development concerning the budget having been rejected and faced with the fact that the bonus of our employees will be good as dead, I move that this council revive the 2016 annual budget and consider the same for further deliberations,” Osmena said.

Some 5,200 employees will benefit from the bonus, which will be equivalent to the employees’ one month salary.

On Monday, the council approved Councilor James Cuenco’s proposal that the annual budget be returned to the executive department as it would be prudent for it to be discussed by the new council.

He said it will be better if there will be more minds sharing their thoughts on the matter.

Cuenco said the move was a party decision of Team Rama, who will compose the majority of the legislative body starting July 1. (PNA) LAP/EB/EBP