Evangelista made the statement after a heated argument transpired between Councilor Dario Romano and Councilor Cromwell Cocamas who is chairperson on Finance, Budget, and Appropriations during the November 17 Committee Hearing.
The hearing was also attended by key resource persons from the Executive Branch for the establishment of the Soil Analysis Laboratory and the procurement of eight vehicles for the municipal councilors worth P11.2 million.
Present during the joint budget hearing were Vice-Mayor Gabriel Eric Estela, Councilors Ireneo Landasan, Richard Languido, Dr. Eduardo Llorente, ABC President and Barangay Tibal-og Chairman Ricky Inodioan.
Evangelista said the altercation has caused delay on the passage of the 2022 budget.
He said Romano was proposing to establish the Soil Analysis Laboratory, while Cocamas, along with other members, were proposing the purchase of the eight vehicles.
"I was made aware that such issue had already been resolved by the Sangguniang Bayan when Vice-Mayor Gabriel Eric Estela, I assumed, asked the consensus of his colleagues about the issue at hand during the Joint Executive-Legislative Budget Hearing conducted last September 15 to 16, 2021, " he said.
Evangelista said the need to expedite the passage of the proposed 2022 budget cannot be overemphasized as it is crucial for Santo Tomas’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
" l respect the leadership of the Sangguniang Bayan, and I urge the August Body to resolve the issue at hand among themselves so as not to delay the passage of the 2022 budget," he said .
He said the 2022 budget is crucial in funding programs, projects and activities for 2022 and in ensuring budgetary preparedness to enable the Municipal Government of Santo Tomas perform its mandate effectively. (Armando Fenequito)
Santo Tomas Mayor Ernesto Evangelista. Photo from Santo Tomas MIO
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