Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Finance execs agree to release centennial funds By Rimaliza Opiña
THE pleas of the Baguio Centennial Commission (Centecomm) finally got positive response.
Funds needed to mobilize the operation of the Centecomm got the approval of members of the local finance committee (LFC), although they were at first hesitant to authorize the disbursement of money, because of a Commission on Audit (COA) memorandum circular, which bars the release of government money to a private entity.
Baguio City accountant Antonio Tabin said the LFC is trying to avoid another Panagbenga where despite the existence of a council resolution, which authorized the release of public funds as assistance for the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, they were still sued for malversation of public funds by the COA.
Members of the Centecomm appeared before members of the City Council on Tuesday, after Councilor Fred Bagbagen reported that although P2 million was allotted for the preparation of the city's centennial activities, only P500,000 was released.
However, after members of the Centecomm and Bagbagen argued the funds will go to a City Government activity, the LFC acceded and promised to authorize the disbursement of funds in three months time.
Part of the agreement is for the Centecomm to undergo government accounting and auditing procedures. The agreement was reached after a closed-door meeting Tuesday.
"I hope they will process the disbursement in less than the three months, so as not to imperil any activities by members of the commission," Bagbagen said.
Centecomm chairman, Virgilio Bautista revealed that although plans for the centennial celebration are already in the drawing board, the team could not proceed because of budgetary constraints.
Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. said while the Centecomm was able to liquidate the initial fund issued by the City Government, the release of the remaining funds did not materialize.
Computers used by the Centecomm are also not provided by the City Government but from some acquaintances.
Meantime, despite the lack of funds, Bautista said the Centecomm has completed its organizational structure and they are encouraging every Baguio household to participate in the centennial activities in 2009 by "transforming" their homes into tourist spots.
