Frustrated at being called a liar by the Danao mayor

PHILIPPINE Councilors’ League Cebu chapter president Carmen Remedios “Ivy” Durano-Meca denied having any unliquidated amount for tourism activities.

Meca, chairperson of the Danao City Tourism Council, said records and certification signed by the city accountant, Jovinal Dagatan, show that she has no outstanding cash advance as of Aug. 31.

Meca called Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr., her uncle, a liar for saying he doesn’t trust her because she failed to “liquidate funds for tourism activities in the past years.”

Meca, in a press conference, showed the certification from the city accountant and the subsidiary ledger of the account of Karansa Foundation that has zero balance.

(The tourism council coordinates with the foundation for tourism-related activities in
the city.)

Also, she said she cannot avail herself of any cash advance since she is not bonded.
She said any amount to be used for a tourism-related activity should seek City Council approval.

Realigned budget

Danao City Councilor John Cane said under the tourism code, the chairperson of tourism activities is Meca. The mayor, though, through Executive Order 12-012, designated Engr. Emilia Oliverio as the new chairman.

Meca said her uncle did not follow the composition of the tourism council under the code.

Meanwhile, Cane also said the mayor realigned the Capitol’s P30-million financial assistance to rehabilitate water distribution pipes in Barangay Poblacion.

Cane said a resolution was passed in 2010 that split the project in two phases at P15 million each.

He said the initial P15 million was realigned to new projects that included funding the City’s participation in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2012.

He said the realignment did not go through the City Council.

Meca, who is the daughter of Danao Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, the mayor’s brother, said she was frustrated by her uncle’s statement that he does not trust her.

The Durano siblings are currently not on good terms.

Vice Mayor Nito is aligned with the Liberal Party, while Mayor Boy is with the One Cebu Party.

She said she won’t force herself to work with the mayor if he does not trust her.

“Unfortunately, (it’s) sad to know that I have an uncle who is such a liar. It is not being disrespectful to Papa Boy… definitely, he is telling a lie,” Meca said.