Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Glo okays use of P3 million to fight crime
PRESIDENT Arroyo has approved the release of P3 million from the Cebu City Government’s intelligence fund.
Arroyo, who was in Cebu Monday for a call center event, the opening of an international furniture exhibit and a thanksgiving reception, read the letter from Mayor Tomas Osmeña that City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem handed herr.
She signed it after noting “OK” at the bottom of Osmeña’s letter dated Feb. 2.
The mayor wrote that the amount will be used for gathering intelligence data on the manufacture, sale and trafficking of illegal drugs; illegal gambling; violent and heinous crimes; prostitution and offenses against decency and graft and corruption.
Citing Commission on Audit Circular 2003-03 dated July 30, 2003, Osmeña said that Arroyo’s authorization was needed for the documentary requirements and the release of the funds.
In separate interviews, Councilors Augustus Pe Jr. and Jakosalem said that the P3-million intelligence fund is already appropriated in the City’s annual budget.
“It is just a standard procedure for us to ask the President’s signature for the funds to be released,” said Pe. (GAC)
