Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Mandaue City Council uses excuse to spend money
THE Mandaue City Council yesterday declared that “an imminent danger of terrorism” might occur during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit next month.
City Councilor Wences-lao Gakit moved for the adoption of the resolution of the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC), which asked for the declaration.
Gakit cited the threat of terrorism during the summit on Dec. 11 to 14.
He also mentioned the possibility of natural calamities that might occur between now and December.
Although a request for the allocation of funds was made, Gakit’s motion did not specify an amount.
The funds are for “pre-disaster preparedness.”
Gakit said the imminent danger refers to the threat of terrorism during the summit that intelligence sources have reported.
He also cited a newspaper report mentioning typhoons that might occur in the later part of the year.
In an interview, Gakit said the request of the CDCC is different from its earlier request for the allocation of some P11.88 million from the calamity fund for the purchase of equipment for disaster preparedness.
It has been declared moot by the City Council committee on budget and finance, which Gakit heads, since the situation cited by the CDCC in its request has already been addressed and not imminent anymore.
It referred to the minor quake that rocked eastern Visayas last May that resulted in the loss of power in Cebu for several hours.
The CDCC request was made in a resolution passed last May yet but was sent to the City Council only this month.
In a separate interview, Mayor Thadeo Ouano said the declaration of imminent danger was needed because the City Government wants to prepare for the security of its visitors.
The Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), which is in Mandaue City, will be the venue of some summit-related activities.
“This is not a popular decision but I’m for the safety and protection of our people and visitors,” he said.
Ouano, chairman of the CDCC, said that after the City Council’s adoption of the CDCC’s request, an amount will be specified. This will be used to purchase medicines, power generators, boom trucks and a water tanker.
He stressed that no firearms will be purchased using these funds.
Last September, the Lapu-Lapu City Council declared the city under “imminent danger of calamity” because of the Asean Summit.
It also authorized the release of P10 million from its P27-million calamity fund. (AAG)
