Baguio dads cautious this time

BAGUIO CITY (Dec. 17) — The bid for Baguio City barangay officials’ cash incentive did not gather much support as some councilors did not favor a half-baked resolution, this time taking care to study all aspects in appropriating public funds.

Authored by Councilor Rufino Panagan, Association of Barangay Captains president, the cash incentives are initially estimated at P4.2 million, if given to elective officials only. Which set of officials, the out-going or the incoming, remains a question, however.

The amount is expected tripled if non-elective officials and volunteers would be included as suggested by the councilors. These include the barangay secretary, treasurer, nutrition and health volunteers.

A similar proposal by then Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for further study. No official action has been done on the Yangot proposal, but the present council asked Panagan to integrate it in his new bid for additional cash incentives.

Councilor Elaine Sembrano commented, “To give justice to all candidates for the ABC presidency, this proposal should be studied carefully.”

Councilor Antonio Tabora was concerned of the processes. “Ayaw natin ng hilaw,” (We do not like it half-cooked) he said.

Vice-mayor Daniel Fariñas tasked committees involved to study the proposal further, as the council decided to defer its action on Panagan’s proposal.

Meanwhile, the crowd in the gallery, mostly expectant barangay captains and council members from the city’s129 barangays went home with no assurance of an incentive this year. # Lyn V. Ramo for NORDIS