By Francis Allan L. Angelo
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo has yet to decide on the fate of the 2010 annual budget.
The P1.3-billion budget, which Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. submitted last year yet, was not included in the agenda of the sanggunian’s regular session Tuesday.
Instead, the opposition-laden provincial board discussed other matters, particularly the revised revenue code proposed by 3rd district Board Member Arthur R. Defensor Jr.
The passage of the 2010 budget has long been delayed as the committee on appropriations decided to study first the proposed conversion of provincial and district hospitals into income-generating hospitals.
The board is also looking into the impact of the salary hike for capitol workers on the 45% personnel services limitation cap of the annual budget.
The salary increase is mandated in the Salary Standardization Law 3 passed by Congress last year. But opposition board members are apprehensive that the wage hike will cause the annual budget to overshoot the legal limitations on salaries and benefits for capitol employees.
Allies of Gov. Tupas, however, said the board delayed the passage of the budget to cripple the present administration during election season.
The opposition also feared that Tupas will use the budget to further their family’s political plans.
Vice Governor Rolex Suplico said they have three sessions remaining before the term of the present sanggunian expires noontime of June 30.
Suplico said they will try to approve the budget before end of June so that the new administration of governor-elect Arthur D. Defensor Sr. can operate on a new budget.
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