Cagayan execs feud as measure to give students cash vetoed

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA—Officials in Cagayan province are feuding over a proposed ordinance passed by the provincial board offering cash assistance to senior high school students.

In an Oct. 5 veto letter to the board, Gov. Manuel Mamba said he did not sign the measure, which offers Cagayan students enrolled in Grades 11 and 12 a P3,000 subsidy every semester.

“The scholarship program is needed by poor but deserving college students in the province,” said Mamba.

“A semester’s subsidy is not needed by senior high school students since the K-12 public school program is free,” he said.

The veto was the first official decision that put Mamba at odds with the provincial board, which is dominated by his political rivals.

Sources in the provincial government said the board is set to override Mamba’s veto when it convenes on Oct. 12.

Board member Rosauro Resuello, author of the ordinance, declined to discuss Mamba’s veto. The Inquirer tried to reach Vice Gov. Melvin Vargas Jr., the board’s presiding officer, but he did not take calls on his mobile telephone. —MELVIN GASCON, @melvingasconINQ