Aid delay frustrates Tomas

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed his disappointment over the delay in extending the City Government’s assistance to some individuals and local government units.

In his news conference last Monday, Osmeña said the approved P2-million financial assistance to the families of the four government troopers who died in a clash with members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga, Bohol has not been released yet.

Osmeña promised to give the families P500,000 each for the heroism of their loved ones who died during the clash last April.

“I don’t know what’s going on but all the projects that have been funded, they have not moved and I don’t know why. Our deputy mayor has to do something,” he told reporters.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, handles the processing of the assistance. He said he has done his part in processing the release of the funds.

Tumulak also sponsored an approved resolution allowing the City to use its Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) funds for the P2-million assistance.

The problem, he said, is with the City Treasurer’s Office, which failed to prepare the check for it.

“I already contacted the families and anytime we can turn over the assistance but the check is not yet ready, that’s why we have to wait for it,” he said.