ISABELA Mayor Irene Montilla said the municipal government is in a hostage situation because of a still unapproved budget.
Montilla said the Sangguniang Bayan had given no definite reason why they did not approve the budget for 2021.
Montilla claimed the non-approval of her proposed budget amounting to P200 million is politically motivated.
Five of the eight-member Sangguniang Bayan of the town belonged to the opposition, as well as the vice mayor who is the presiding officer.
Montilla said the SB cannot act on other pending legislation because it failed to approve the budget.
She said projects and delivery of basic services were affected and the municipal government cannot allocate funds for the acquisition of the Covid-19 vaccine without a re-enacted budget until March 31.