MAYOR’S “ BLAME GAME” SLAMMED

NOT politics but the late submission of the required documents by the executive department is the real reason behind the delayed passage and approval of the 2022 annual budget by the Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

This was stressed by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo in reaction to the statement of City Mayor Brian Lim last January 5 when he blamed SP’s “ politics” for failing to pass the 2022 budget needed by all offices of the city government to be able to respond to the pandemic.

“We are all apolitical here. We are working for the good of the people,” Tamayo intoned as he cited that the late submission of the Indicative Procurement Plan (IPP), one of the requirements of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP), by the Office of the City Mayor at 11:45 a.m., on December 31, just 15 minutes before the close of office hours in 2021.

He said based on the IPP form secured by City Secretary Ryan Ravanzo, the IPP, a requirement provided for under Memorandum Circular No. 82 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), was supposed to have been submitted on or before August 31, 2021, or four months late.

According to Councilor Marcelino Fernandez, the Capacity Development Plan of the city, which—like the IPP—should be annexed to the AIP before the latter can be passed and approved by the SP has not been submitted by Mayor Lim.

The delay in the submission of the requirement already prompted Councilor Michael Fernandez, majority floor leader, to sponsor a resolution (No. 6128) requesting the city executive to submit the Capacity Development Agenda of Dagupan for year 2022.

Councilor Fernandez (Michael) said while he was informed earlier by DILG City Director Marlyn Laguipo that all the 31 barangays already submitted their respective Capacity Development Plans (CDP) to her office, Mayor Lim’s office did not submit the city’s Capacity Development Agenda    .

Fernandez asked members of the city’s finance committee, composed of the city budget officer, city treasurer and city accountant, to comment on the delay but chose to be silent on the reason behind the delay.

Ryan Melanes of the DBM regional office, confirmed that DBM’s Memorandum Circular No. 82 mandates the submission of the IPP and CDP (except  the devolution transition plan) before an annual budget can be passed.

Councilor Luis Samson Jr. added that the 2022 annual budget of Dagupan will be passed only in observance of the processes, and no rules or laws would be violated.

Melanes and an official from the Procurement Service of the DBP will be invited by the SP in this week’s session to provide more guidelines regarding the IPP, CDP and issues on common supplies.

Meanwhile, the SP passed on January 4 the newly submitted budgets of Sangguniang Kabataang barangays of Mangin, Herrero, Perez, Pantal, Caranglaan, Bonuan Gueset, Mayombo, Bacayao Norte, Lasip Grande, Pogo Grande, Pugaro, Salisay, Tambac and Tapuac. (Leonardo Micua)

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