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By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

COUNCILOR Teodulfo Lao yesterday called on the city council to be objective as local legislators start deliberations on Mayor Oscar Moreno’s nearly P5-billion budget proposal next week.

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Lao, a former political ally of Moreno’s, said councilors should allow the Moreno administration to use funds that would be for the common good but it should be cautious against funds that may be used for purely partisan purposes.

“Dili angayan nga babagan ang para sa katawhan nga mga program sama sa mga basic services programs especially on healthelated programs. What is for the people should be given back to the people regardless of political affiliations,” Lao said.

He said it would not be fair for members of the local legislature to blame the Moreno administration if it failed to deliver services when its hands are tied due to budgetary restraints.

“Dili nato babagan apan atong bantayan,” said Lao, echoing the very same position made by Padayon Pilipino councilors when Mayor Moreno submitted his first budget proposal in 2014.

He said Moreno should justify his proposed P4.8-billion budget for 2016, and show proof that these would be used in improving health and other basic services in the city.

Lao however cautioned against “insertions” like the creation of more jobs seen as tools for political and personal advancement.

He also cautioned against tax increases, saying he did not want the local business community to be burdened.

“If this would lead to another round of tax increases, that is another story,” Lao said.

The city council on Monday adopted Resolution no. 12175-2015, constituting the city council as a committee of the whole to deliberate on the proposed 2016 budget.

Marathon hearings have been scheduled starting next week.

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