Rama: No veto on 2014 budget

RATHER than feel bad over a slashed  2014 budget, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he would accept it.

“Grumbling will not do you anything but focusing can create so many things,” he said.

Rama said he would meet  his department heads on  Saturday to discuss  policy directions for 2014 based on the budget which was reduced from an original P10.5 billion proposal to P5.9 billlion.

“ We must find ways and means to work on that budget,”  he said.

Rama may  discuss a possible reassignment of some of the department heads when he meets his 22 office heads for lunch.

“When we report back for work on January 2, I want us to be already equipped with a direction,” he said.

Despite the budget cut by the City Council, the mayor said he wants workers to continue their “show of super service” or  SOSS.

Rama said he has yet to see a copy of the approved budget but has already decided to accept  the City Council’s ‘version’.

He said he was just happy that Cebu City was spared from the Oct. 15 earthquake and  supertyphoon Yolanda.

He said  his administration accomplished many things this  year especially in the release of financial aid to several sectors including City Hall employees. But he added that a lot needs to be done next year.

The sale of lots at the South Road Properties (SRP) continues to be a priority of his administration. Among his wishes for the New Year is for the election protest  filed by former mayor Tomas Osmeña to be resolved.

He said he no longer wants to entertain criticisms by his detractors and will let Cebuanos  be his judge when the 2016 election comes. /Doris C. Bongcac, Chief of Reporters