ACTING Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao yesterday appealed to his colleagues in the City Council to call off their trip to Boracay Island this week, saying it’s better to exercise prudence in times of crisis.

“I humbly suggest that you call off your trip to Boracay to stop all issues now raised against Talisay officials from concerned employees and taxpayers,” he said.

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Bucao, the lone opposition in an administration-dominated council, sent a similar message to the mobile phones of his Boracay-bound colleagues.

“Indeed, it’s nice to be prudent in times of crisis such as that we’re experiencing,” he said.

He shared the earlier call of Kym Abay-Albrando, president of the City of Talisay Employees Union, to take to heart the austerity measures at City Hall.

Mayor Socrates Fernandez has already issued an order directing key City Hall officials and employees to refrain from taking expensive or unnecessary trips.

Workshop

At least seven city councilors will attend the annual financial management seminar workshop hosted by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) in the world-famous Boracay from July 1 to 3.

They are Councilors Arturo Bas, Shirley Belleza, Dennis Basillote, Ben Abatayo, Aaron Capala, Edward Alesna and Bernard Joseph Odilao.

The BLGF reportedly invited local legislators, especially the chairman and members of the finance and appropriations committee.

Reporters learned that Capala, Alesna and Odilao are taking their wives with them to the trip.

But Capala justified their spouses’ inclusion, saying their travel expenses and accommodations are personal, not City Hall-funded.

Bucao, Councilors Rodi Cabigas, Serrie Restauro and Association of Barangay Council President Osmundo Manreal Jr. have opted not to join.

Rules

The City Council will have no session today, as it is already the fifth Tuesday of the month. Its house rules mandate the council to hold only four regular sessions in a month.

Apart from the councilors, the department heads and some office staffers from the city assessor and the treasurer offices will attend the seminar.

The City Budget Office will also send one representative.

The City Hall has reportedly provided them P18,000 or P20,000 allowance each for the registration, airfare and billeting expenses.

“It’s actually our annual activity to improve the fiscal management of the LGUs,” said City Assessor Alma Abellanosa.