CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Members of the Provincial Board (PB) said Tuesday the executive department of the Capitol may not really be "that serious" in having some P45 million in unexpended funds reverted back to the 2009 supplemental budget.

The PB led by Vice-Governor Joseller Guiao, together with board members Catalina Bagasina, Ceferino Laus, Johnny Quiambao, Art Salalila, Nelson Calara, Ricardo Yabut, Crisostomo Garbo, Edna David, Tarcicio Halili, Joel Simpauco and Rolly Macalino, met with other representatives of the Capitol from the Treasurer's Office, Provincial Engineer's Office and the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office to clarify issues on reverting some P45 million in funds requested by Governor Eddie Panlilio and the Expanded Local Finance Committee.

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But one of its key proponents, provincial budget officer Nida Manalad, failed to appear in the committee hearing, resulting to a postponement to next week on the executive department's request.

Guiao told other representatives, "Are they serious about reverting these funds? Gusto ba nilang ma-approve ito o hindi? Why was the budget officer whom we need to hear from not been authorized by the governor? It seems that no one of the representatives present from the local finance committee could not clarify and answer our queries."

Guiao and the committee en banc alternately hit the executive department for the alleged savings made at the Governor's Office and some key departments leading to the unexpended funds.

Although approving some P126,000 in allowances for the Capitol's choir members, the August body questioned why there were savings from funds earmarked for hospitals and indigents.

"Hindi naman nauubos iyung nangangailangan, ah. This is evident in the long lines of people seeking medical help here in the Capitol and our hospitals. Bakit kayo nagtipid?" Guiao asked.

He said the executive must send its authorized representatives to the next committee hearing to clarify issues on the funds and move for its approval.

Earlier, Panlilio said reverting the funds would allow the Capitol to put in more resources for aid following the onslaught of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu also said despite the PB's stance that the Capitol should not be "saving on basic needs and services," the executive will continue implementing austerity measures.