Be sport, Tom tells Rama dads

CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña told Team Rama councilors to stop acting like crybabies over their unclaimed communication allowances.

In his news conference yesterday, Osmeña said they should be a “good sport” considering that they did not approve the P2-million allocation for the renovation of his office.

Besides, he added, they were all granted the allowances and other privileges they deserve during the administration of former Mayor Michael Rama.

“Let’s not talk about Rama. Let’s talk about his council right now. I asked for P2 million to renovate this office, they did not even give me one peso,” Osmeña said.

“Mike Rama spent P20 million to fix his office. You look around here, I spent for this. The bathroom, including the faucet, and the inidoro that’s all mine. Did I cry? They should be a good sport also. That’s life. I suffered more than them. So, why are they crying?” he said.

Question During the budget hearing for the proposed P7.2-billion annual budget for 2017 last Tuesday, the City Council questioned the General Services Office (GSO) for not releasing the communication allowance of Team Rama councilors.

Councilor Joel Garganera said they have not received their benefit since they assumed office.

This, even if their communication allowance is included in the P6-million approved budget this year for mobile expenses.

They are supposedly entitled to a P5,000 per month communication allowance.

Approval

GSO Chief Ronald Malacora earlier told the Council that Osmeña issued an executive order stating that all requests for allowances need his approval.

However, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera also pointed out to Malacora that as members of the legislative body, they are automatically entitled to the communication allowance as it is part of their benefit as elected officials.