DAGUPAN Mayor Belen Fernandez vetoed the four ordinances passed by the seven majority councilors in the past Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) just before they bowed out of office on June 30.

The vetoed ordinances were:

1. Ordinance No. 2320-2025 – Providing  P5,000 monthly allowance to Barangay Garbage Collectors;
2. Ordinance No. 2323-2025 – Providing benefits and privileges and appropriating funds therefor, and other purposes for Dagupan City’s Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Ordinance,
3. Ordinance No. 2323-2025 – Providing P1,500 monthly allowance to all clerks of court assigned or stationed in the city of Dagupan; and
4. Ordinance No. 2321-2025 – Institutionalizing the barangay waste manager and waste workforce in the city of Dagupan in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003 and City Ordinance No. 1929-2003.

These ordinances were passed while Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, the SP presiding officer, and five minority councilors led by Michael Fernandez boycotted the sessions as they found the ordinances would only put additional burden on the Dagupan City government.

In vetoing Ordinance No. 2320-2025, the mayor said t the proposal fails to meet the standard of fiscal prudence and accountability, and will only create a recurring obligation on the part of the city.

Fernandez cited a lack of fiscal prudence and absence of a definite funding source, and failure to limit the benefit exclusively to Dagupan City athletes, duplication of existing national programs, and lack of a clear implementation mechanism in vetoing Ordinance No. 2322-2025.

She said Ordinance No. 2323-2025. She cited lack of clear fiscal justification and coverage, non-alignment with Local Government Priorities and Mandates; and Risk of Inequity and Lack of Broader Policy Framework as her reasons in vetoing.

Fernandez vetoed Ordinance 2321-2025 because of the absence of a funding source and fiscal impact study, duplication of existing mechanisms, lack of clear implementation guidelines and standards; no prior consultation with barangays and the  City Budget Office; and in conflict with the City’s Budget Prioritization Framework. (Leonardo Micua)

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