“ONE of the principles in budgeting is that no government funds should be spent for any religious activity.”

This was underscored by Dagupan City Budget Officer Luz de Guzman in response to the query of Councilor Redford Erfe Mejia during the November 5 session of the city council that tackled a draft ordinance allowing the temporary closure of Galvan and Zamora Streets for the purpose of holding “baratillo” (trade fair) as sources of revenue to support expenses for the celebration of fiesta in the city.

“I never certified to any availability of funds with regards to any fiesta activity since the time I was appointed budget officer by Mayor Belen Fernandez,” said De Guzman, adding that the release of funds for any religious activities is prohibited by Commission on Audit regulations.

De Guzman stressed that since Mayor Fernandez took over the reins of the city government, not a single centavo from the city coffers was spent for the fiesta.

City Legal Officer Geraldine Francisco who was also asked to shed light on the proposed ordinance, said aside from raising funds for the fiesta celebration and activities, the ‘baratillo’ will spur economic activities in the city and likewise promote the city and local products to tourists and buyers.

Erfe Mejia attempted to table the proposal but no one seconded his motion.

Passage of the measure again sparked a heated debate between Councilor Jeslito Seen, who proposed the measure and Erfe Mejia, the lone minority in the city council.

Seen cited the deviation from the practice of the administration of then Mayor Benjamin
Lim, appropriating city funds to bankroll the celebration of past city fiestas and Bangus Festivals.

To meet objectives of the ordinance, traders and retailers in the trade fair must show a capitalization of at least P25,000 and has no criminal record. Only small items of
merchandise, such as food, fruits, noveltiers, household items, native accessories, except dry goods can be sold.

A selection and monitoring committee to be appointed by Mayor Fernandez, will be granted the authority to make the implementing rules and regulations for the selection process and to set rules and regulations in the trade fair. (Leonardo Micua) 

 

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