By Tara Yap
Iloilo City—Town mayors appealed for the immediate approval of the proposed budget of the province of Iloilo for fiscal year 2019.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.
(Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo via Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN)
The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP-Iloilo), headed by Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy town, passed a resolution calling for the Iloilo Provincial Board to expedite the approval of the proposed P3.7-billion budget, which is still being scrutinized.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur “Art” Defensor Sr. has blamed politics for the legislative body’s failure to pass the budget.
This came after there was a reshuffling of committee chairmanships late last year following the shift of political alliances. Majority of provincial board members are now allied with Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferj Biron, who is running for governor against Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., the governor’s son.
Alimodian Mayor Gefree Alonsabe, LMP-Iloilo secretary general, said legislators should set aside politics for the people’s welfare.
While an ally of Biron, Alonsabe said the Iloilo Provincial Board’s decision has affected student athletes who will compete for an upcoming sports meet. Since the provincial government is operating under a reenacted budget, there is no subsidy for their training.