By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Politics might be behind the non-approval of a P24 million proposed loan by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Pontevedra, Capiz.
This was the reaction of municipal administrator Jonifer “Jung” Tumlos when the media asked for a comment.
Six members of the municipal council opposed the proposed P24 million loan, which was intended for the purchase of three dump trucks.
It was learned that the six opposition councilors are reportedly allied with former Mayor Jojie Avelino, who is seeking the mayoral seat in Pontevedra in next year’s midterm elections.
Reports also indicated that former Mayor and Capiz Governor Esteban Contreras Sr. is planning to run for mayor of Pontevedra.
Tumlos mentioned that the original proposed loan was P180 million, but it was reduced to P40 million after other proposed needs of the town were scrapped.
He stated that heavy equipment is urgently needed for the transport of garbage from the barangays.
The town has been maintaining its existing equipment, but delays in garbage collection have occurred due to the unavailability of dump trucks.
“Election is far away. We need to prioritize the needs of our constituents by setting aside politics,” Tumlos added.
According to SB member Erwin Borres, he chose not to vote for the proposed loan because he wanted transparency, especially considering the significant amount involved.
He noted that some suppliers offered dump trucks at a lower cost than what was proposed.
“Why P24 million? During our canvassing with other suppliers, the cost for three dump trucks was only around P10 million,” Borres said.
Borres also pointed out that the town has an existing loan that the LGU of Pontevedra is currently paying off.
He mentioned that the request for SB approval was urgent, but the town has P13 million in savings, which is more than enough to purchase the equipment.
Borres emphasized that they are not opposed to the loan itself but want clarification on the exact processes involved in the proposal.
SB member Vicente “Odol” Dangan told Daily Guardian on Sunday that a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 27, to clarify the proposed loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines to the residents of Pontevedra.
Dangan is one of the SB members advocating for the approval of the urgent request from incumbent Mayor Henry Tumlos.
“I cannot understand why my colleagues opposed the loan, which is necessary for the needs of our constituents,” he stressed.
