Council seeks expert aid in reviewing budget

In reviewing Mayor Michael Rama’s proposed P11.8-billion budget, the Cebu City Council sought outside expert help.

Councilor Margot Osmeña, chairperson of the council’s budget committee, said they tapped a financial expert who orients legislators in Congress on the national budget process.

The expert serves as consultant to her husband, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district.

Councilor Osmeña said their lessons on “Budget 101” was part of their preparations for the budget hearing scheduled to start on Nov. 4.

She declined to name the financial expert, a certified public account (CPA) from Bohol province now based in Manila.

“It would help us if we will know how to properly read the budget and see if the items there are in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Code,” she said.

She and her husband hosted yesterday’s lunchtime budget lessons for councilors at their Guadalupe home.

The councilors all belong to the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) administration party.

Rama broke off with the BO-PK over disagreements with the council and the party’s founder Rep. Osmeña.

Rep. Osmeña is vice chairman of the Lower House’s budget committee.

Rep. Osmeña told Cebu Daily News in a text message that he organized the gathering to help councilors understand Rama’s 2012 budget.

He earlier described Rama’s budget as a “joke” for the inclusion of what he deemed as unnecessary items such as a P50-million barge.

“(I was) just helping out the councilors.  (But) they will make their own decision,” said Rep. Osmena’s text message.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, vice chairman of the budget committee, said first-time councilors like him need the orientation to better deal with the budget.

Wenceslao said the council may decide to request for another session with Rep. Osmena’s budget consultant if they feel the need to do so. /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters