Committee mulled to solve Capitol’s 2013 budget impasse

AN EXECUTIVE-Legislative Committee to be composed of representatives from the Office of the Governor, the Provincial Government and Capitol employees union will be created to put an end to the budget impasse at the Capitol.

The creation of the committee was suggested on Friday by a member of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) during its general assembly and election of officers at the Negros Occidental Multi Purpose Gym.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said he is amenable to the suggestion and that he will immediately move for the creation of the committee.

"I am willing to sacrifice my own personal interest for the sake of the poor people of Negros. If they are just after me, I challenge them that they should hit only me and not the entire province," declared Marañon during his speech before the Capitol employees yesterday.

The Provincial Board failed to conduct two consecutive sessions after the disapproval of the 2013 provincial budget. The body decided to bring up the matter with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Marañon said that because of the disapproval of this year's budget, several projects, especially on health, that would benefit the poor, are affected.
"Negros is now in a sad situation. Those who disproved the budget are heartless. Let's pray to God during this extraordinary time at Capitol. This is not for politics. I know how you need the salary increase and your bonus, especially now that graduation time is fast approaching in March," Marañon told Capitol employees.

He also said that based on the Local Government Code the salary increase could not be given retroactive in January.

Marañon also denied the allegation that he is using the salary increase and the bonus of the Capitol employees for politics.