‘Markets, abattoir over sports arena’

A MEMBER of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) emphasized that the rehabilitation and repair of the city’s public markets and abattoir should be among the top priority projects of Mayor Jose Espinosa III.

“Ginakilala ko ang executive prerogative na ang sports arena is one of the top priority projects but i-reiterate ko ang collective stand naton na unahon ang rehabilitation and repair our public markets and city abattoir,” emphasized Councilor Armand Parcon during the SP regular session on October 16, 2018.

The proposed supplemental budget of the Iloilo City government worth P130,088,408.89 was deliberated during that regular session.

Based on the supplemental budget, P35 million was allotted for the proposed land development including site embankment and compaction for the proposed construction of Iloilo City Sports Arena in Brgy. San Pedro, Molo, Iloilo City.

The sports arena is Espinosa’s top project as he envisions a fully air-conditioned multi-purpose sports arena that can accommodate 7,000 people since the city lacks facilities that can host national tournaments.

However, Councilor Plaridel Nava, the new deputy floor leader and chair of the Committee on Appropriations, questioned the allocation, stressing that it is not practical to allocate P35-million for the proposed construction of the arena.

“This is not practicable and unnecessary as of this time. We have not even granted the mayor the authority to contract a loan for the construction of this sports arena. Let’s wait for that first before we decide to allocate budget, that is why we reject that,” Nava said.

At the end of the session, the SP only approved P45,088,408.09 out of the P130,088,408.89 proposed supplemental budget of the city government after deleting two items, including the budget allocation for the proposed construction of the sports arena.

Aside from rejecting the proposed P35-million land development including site embankment and compaction for the construction of arena, the P50-million proposed construction of Multi-purpose Building for Offices at Ker and Company Site was also disapproved by the council.

INTERPLAY OF POLITICS?

Meanwhile, political interplay is seen to be the reason for the cut in the proposed supplemental budget of the city government.

On Oct 9, 2018, Nava led a revamp ousting two allies of Espinosa – Councilors Eduardo “Ed” Peñaredondo and R Leoni Gerochi – from their respective committee chairmanships.

Peñaredondo said that revamp is a product of a “working alliance” between Nava’s camp and Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas.

“Politics is behind the resolution of Nava and that the move is in preparation for the 2019 midterm elections,” he stated.

In his privilege speech, Nava cited that majority of the council members have lost their trust and confidence in the leadership of Peñaredondo and Gerochi.

Six of the eight councilors who voted for the ouster of Peñaredondo and Gerochi belong to the camp of Rep. Treñas, who is running against Espinosa in the 2019 mayoral contest.

Nava is running for vice mayor under the group of Dr. Pacita Gonzalez against Gerochi who is in tandem with Espinosa

Meanwhile, Peñaredondo is seeking reelection under Espinosa’s camp.

Espinosa is the standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party and Treñas is with the National Unity Party (NUP).

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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