Mayor’s secretary wants to be excused from budget hearing

THE Secretary of Mayor Michael Rama had excused herself from the City Council budget hearing yesterday.

Belinda Navasquez, secretary of the mayor’s office told the City Council she needs to attend a workshop yesterday.

She added that personnel of the mayor’s office are busy with the preparations for the national thanksgiving Mass of San Pedro Calungsod on Nov. 30.

Councilor Margot Osmeña, chairperson of the budget committee acceded to the request of Navasquez.

Instead, Osmeña requested City Treasurer Emma Villarete to furnish the City council with the list of City Hall properties scheduled for auction to determine if the sale of the properties can raise P150 million to partly support Rama’s P6.7 billion budget for next year.

Osmeña’s committee is determining whether Rama’s proposed budget can be supported by revenue collection and proceeds from sale of City Hall properties. /Chief of Reporter Doris C. Bongcac