NEWS BRIEFS

Towing deal

DESPITE rescinding the contract of Jadewell Parking Systems Services, the Mandaue City Government still allowed the towing firm to continue its operation.

Lawyer James Jamaal Calipayan, executive secretary of Mayor Jonas Cortes said the traffic situation of the city will suffer if they don’t allow Jadewell to continue its operation.

Calipayan said the city has not issued the actual rescission yet which means Jadewell is still bound by their contract.

Calipayan also said that they had awarded the contracts to two tow trucks that would replace the services of Jadewell but they still have to wait for two weeks for its delivery.

The lawyer also has not received reports if Jadewell appealed the issuance of the notice of rescission.  CORRESPONDENT Norman V. Mendoza

City Budget

THE Cebu City Council will not set aside funds in the 2012 budget for the claims of the Ralloses for the payment of an expropriated lot.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said any appropriation for the purpose may be construed as an act of already “giving up” on the case.

The City Council again convened yesterday afternoon to continue with their deliberation on the 2012 budget.

They requested City Legal Officer Joseph Bernaldez to apprise them of the update on the Rallos case.

“It appears to us that the case is not yet over. It’s not yet clear if the Supreme Court’s decision is already final or not,” said Young.

Young also said the claims of the Rallos family of P133 million is “too big”.

“We wanted to spend the city’s money on more important needs like the needs of the barangays and we would like to show our support for the executive department,” said Young.

Earlier that day, the councilors met with barangay officials at the social hall of the Legislative Building to explain the ongoing budget process.

Young and councilors Margot Osmeña and Joey Daluz III told barangay captains not to worry as the council has decided to include in next year’s budget about P900 million worth of projects and purchases and the P400 million aid for the 80 barangays.

“We cannot say no to the requests of the barangays because these were pre-identified and most needed,” Osmeña said.  Chief Of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

Read more...