Governor appealing to Isabela VM to follow rule, as Isabela mayor reiterates dialogue with SB

ISABELA, Negros Occidental – The deadlock between the Isabela Mayor’s Office and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) goes on that even the proposed 2022 annual budget of the town in Negros Occidental was not acted upon.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson today, after the distribution of relief assistance to different barangays, urged the SB of Isabela to act on the town’s 2022 budget ordinance.

“I’d like to appeal to Vice Mayor JR (Renato Malabor Jr.) … It is not correct to say nga presiding officer lang ko…. follow Vice

Governor Jeffrey Ferrer who has been cooperative of the Executive Office. You know the rule because you were once a member of the Sanggunian. Do what is right and lead your Sangguniang Bayan,” Lacson said.

Malabor was a former member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province.

The town is now operating on a reenacted budget of 2021 in the amount of P197 million due to the failure of the SB to pass its 2022 budget amounting to P271 million

On the part of Isabela Mayor Irene Montilla, she said several services of the town have b

een affected by the failure of the Sannggunian to pass the budget.

She revealed she exerted efforts to have a dialogue with the SB but they refused and that Malabor told her that he is only the presiding officer.

Most of those affected, she said are the job order employees whose services are important because the town has only minimal regular employees. The JOs she said continue to work despite of unpaid salaries since January 16.

Montilla pointed out that the SB is asking to revise the budget and include their request for the inclusion of P2 million for their reapective JOs and other programs.

It could have been possible if they attended the four budget hearings, Montilla added.

Malabor is now opposing Montilla for Mayor in the coming May 9 elections.* (Arman G. Toga footage)