City Council axes contract of radio dyRf broadcaster

FOR allegedly “siding” with Mayor Michael Rama in his city-paid radio dyRF program, radio commentator Antonio “Tony” Avila will no longer be paid for his services as a consultant of City Hall.

The Cebu City Council yesterday disapproved the renewal of Avila’s contract as the mayor’s “broadcast and media affairs consultant”.

Avila’s contract for services for July to December 2012 with an honorarium of P18,000 a month was presented by Councilor Jose Daluz III, a Rama ally.

It was opposed by the mayor’s critics in the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK), who said Avila was using his airtime to defend and promote Mayor Rama’s interest. The city spends P50,000 for the monthly production cost of the radio program.

Councilor Margot Osmeña cited the accomplishment report of Avila, which mentioned garbage disposal and the 2012 budget as topics discussed in his radio program.

“You never asked any of us (councilors) to be interviewed about the budget discussions. As the chairman of the budget committee, I could have been called so that the council would have a chance to comment on the budget issue,” Osmeña told Avila during the session.

Avila explained that he called up department heads like the city treasurer and budget officer when he discussed the 2012 budget on air.

He said his failure to reach any council member was an “oversight”.

“Rest assured that I will be calling you in future budget discussions,” said Avila.

The assurance, however, wasn’t enough for the mayor’s critics who dominate the council.

“The problem with you is you take sides – the mayor’s side. You should be neutral because you are paid by the city,” said Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young.

Young chided Avila for only providing the mayor with feedback about public erations to City Hall issues.

“I believe the mayor should be given feedback,” said Avila.

“What about the council?” asked Osmeña. “Shouldn’t we also be given the courtesy?”

Councilor Alvin Dizon said the city council, which has its own program on CCTN, always tries to stay impartial.

Only three councilors voted in favor of renewing Avila’s contract – Daluz, Edu Rama and Ronald Cuenco. Eleven BO-PK shot it down. Councilor Leah Japson abstained while Edgar Labella and Bebot Abellanosa were absent.