Moreno raises concern over ₱8.5B City Hall Complex loan

Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno expressed concern over the proposed ₱8.5-billion loan to finance the construction of the new City Hall Complex, saying the move could potentially compromise the delivery of basic services to residents as well as benefits to employees.

This, following the approval of the resolution, during the regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, authorizing City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to negotiate with financial institutions for financing to support the proposed construction of the city hall complex in Barangay Carmen.

“It’s not that I don’t agree nga magpatukod kita og (new) city hall but the question really is, can we afford it?” Moreno pointed out.

Reacting to the approval, Councilor Moreno appealed to her colleagues to carefully consider the city’s financial capacity and ensure that decisions on borrowing are anchored on data and official financial records.

She emphasized that the Commission on Audit (COA) report should serve as an important basis in evaluating the city’s capacity to take on the proposed loan and its possible impact on the city’s finances and essential services.

“Kita sa konseho, we have the authority, we have the power of the purse. We have that power as to where we will use that money. I hope our colleagues will be able to browse the COA report (as) basis for this proposal,” Moreno opined.

The lady councilor stressed that while development projects are important, the city must also ensure that sufficient funds remain available for basic and essential services benefiting the constituents.

“Services such as health, education, honorarium, sweldo, mao nang mga one of the many services nga ma-kompromiso because of this ₱8.5 billion loan… I am afraid of what is going to happen in the future if this is approved,” she concluded.

The majority bloc approved the resolution, while Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez abstained from voting. Meanwhile, members of the minority bloc voted against the resolution, expressing their opposition to the measure. (JBD/SP)