Taxpayers Night budget cut to P1.2 M

CEBU City’s “Taxpayers Night” will be held on a modest budget of P1.2 million after the Cebu City Council found its original proposed budget of P2.3 million “too much.”

The Taxpayers Night spearheaded by the City Treasurer’s Office was proposed by Mayor Michael Rama for next month.

But in last Wednesday’s session, the council approved a resolution by Councilor Jose Daluz III that slashed the budget by half or P1.2 million.

Vice Mayor Augustus Joy Young said he doesn’t see the need to spend P250,000 for invitations, corsages, giveaways and other incidental expenses.

The council previously questioned the budget for a City Charter Day event.

The council also questioned the P23,000 budget for the services of an emcee and voice-over talent and P30,000 to hire a dance troupe proposed by former city treasurer Ofelia Oliva.

A total of 777 taxpayers, guests, city officials and employees will attend the event that will recognize the city’s outstanding taxpayers. All employees of the CTO will attend the event.

“The City Council has finally approved a 50 percent slash or an adjusted budget of P1.2 million and requests the City Treasurer’s Office to work on this approved budget for a modest conduct of the Taxpayers Night,” said Daluz’s resolution. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac