Department heads of the Masantol local government unit (LGU) have denied allegations made by Sangguniang Bayan (SB) that they are the cause of delay in the approval of the 2024 annual budget.
On January 13, the SB claimed that the delay was due to department heads alleged failure to submit necessary attachments to support their respective budget proposals.
The town council did not identify specific departments responsible for the issue.
In response, the department heads clarified during the flag ceremony yesterday, January 20, that all required documents were submitted on time.
The offices that issued the clarification include the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
This office said that it had submitted its Annual Procurement Plan and activity designs before the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
MSWDO Chief Mary Rose Silva expressed concern that the delay in the budget approval has hampered several programs intended for the community.
She said the affected programs include the social pensions for 6,000 senior citizens, aid for 1,500 solo parents and PWDs, scholarships of students, and medical assistance to sick residents.
The Municipal Fisheries and Agricultural Services Office (MFASO) for its part said that over 1,000 fishermen could be affected if the 2025 annual budget remains unapproved.
Marlyn Bonifacio, head of MFASO, said that many families in Masantol rely on fish farming to meet their daily needs.
Mayor Ton-Ton Bustos appealed to the local council to work on the approval of the town’s annual budget.
“Actually, hindi na po tayo dapat mag-appeal. It should come natural to them as elected official to perform their duty of convening a session and passing the budget before the end of the fiscal year. Pero ngayon three weeks ng delayed ang budget approval for 2025 at marami ng nasasakripisyong programa,” he said.
If the SB fails to pass the annual budget, Bustos said municipality will not enjoy the benefits of its reclassification to a first-class town.
He also said that program-based employees will not receive salaries and no new programs will be implemented.
The mayor also warned that social programs will be suspended.
Patrol Partylist Representative Jorge Bustos, meanwhile, pledge to assist LGU’s job order workers, and solo parents who are affected by the issue.
The lawmaker said he had donated P200,000 to the workers last week.
Congressman Bustos said he will provide additional P264,000 for the solo parents, and food packs for both sectors.
He also vowed to procure additional medicines for the Municipal Health Office to help senior citizens with their maintenance drugs.
