Officials reject Oca’s rant on Oro budget

WHILE recognizing the opinion of former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno,  political spokesperson for Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, expressed disappointment that it seems to be driven by a desire to portray Uy’s administration negatively.

Moreno had previously expressed his disagreement and doubts about the current administration led by Mayor Uy following the approval of the proposed 2024 budget.

Uy’s political spokesperson BenCyrus Ellorin responded by stating that the increase in revenue targets for next year’s budget is only around 8%, clarifying that higher increases occurred during the previous administration without similar concerns being raised.

Ellorin reassured that the Local Finance Committee has devised strategies to meet the revenue collection targets for 2024. 

“The diligent and efficient collection of taxes such as real property tax, business taxes, and other revenues are expected to be sufficient, eliminating the need for raising current taxes or introducing new ones,” stressed Ellorin.

Meanwhile, City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas warmly welcomed the approval of City Hall’s P11.2 billion budget for 2024 by the 20th City Council.

Raagas specifically highlighted the allocation of P2.7 billion for the construction and development of a government center and eco-tourism site in Upper Dagong, Carmen, stating that it would benefit both the public and the bureaucracy.

Raagas’ positive response contrasts with Moreno’s criticism of the approved 2024 budget. 

Sheila Lumbatan, the chief of staff in the city mayor’s office, stated that the budget was formulated in line with Mayor Uy’s RISE development and governance agenda. 

Lumbatan highlighted the higher-than-expected economic growth rate for the city this year, which Mayor Uy mentioned in his State of the City Address (Soca).

According to Lumbatan, the City Council unanimously acknowledged and approved Mayor Uy’s 28-page speech, considering it the backbone of his policy and development agenda, providing a roadmap for the city’s future growth and progress. 

The RISE agenda, encompassing regional leadership, accessibility and connectivity, inclusivity and participatory governance, safety, security, and human development, as well as economic recovery, aligns with the approval of the 2024 budget.

Lumbatan stated that the upgraded budget reflects the positive trajectory of the city’s economy and reinforces its commitment to addressing the needs of the people and reducing poverty in the city.

Ellorin, Raagas, and Lumbatan all maintained that through strong fiscal discipline and prudent resource management, Mayor Uy’s administration is confident in its ability to achieve the revenue targets. 

The administration also enjoys a high level of confidence from the business sector and taxpayers, further facilitating their goals of progress and development.