- MITCH M. LIPA
Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod are expected to dissect the P3.25 billion proposed 2022 budget of Bacolod City during their special session today, Nov. 1.
Councilor Al Victor Espino said he expects a lengthy discussion and lots of questions during the deliberation.
Espino, who chairs the SP Committee on Finance, added that it was the first time for the committee to hear the proposed budgets of various departments in one week’s time and then submit the result for deliberation.
He said he does not expect the SP to pass the proposal from the executive department on second reading Nov. 3 since the body will still hear the explanations and justifications on the budget allocation.
Next year’s annual budget is 25 percent higher than this year’s P2.6 billion.
The substantial increase is due to the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, which adjusts the National Tax Allotment shares of local government units and includes other national taxes, such as tariff and customs duties.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, in his budget message, said the government’s focus for the 2022 budget is the improved delivery of basic services, accelerated social growth and development, continued introduction of favorable economic stimulus, and strengthened local governance.
Among the concerns highlighted are the prioritization of the health and safety of Bacolodnons.
The proposed budget includes P804,093,609 for personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses – P1,597,216,327, financial expenditures – P34,222,890, preparations in relation to the pandemic and other possible calamities – P162,500,000, and P20,000,000 other items, including P12,000,000 for the anti-drug campaign. –MML
