PB defers consultant post conferment of Borgonia

The Cebu Provincial Board, during its Monday session, deferred the confirmation of the appointment of lawyer John Ismael "Jiembo" Borgonia, as consultant on political and social matters to Governor Pamela Baricuatro.

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The Board moved to approve the consultancy contracts of nine other individuals, under the Office of the Governor, but not yet the appointment of Borgonia, a former Board Member of the Third district, pending his appearance in the next regular session to explain the nature of his role.

Board Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III questioned what "political and social matters" entailed in such consultancy.

"I just want to be educated on what you mean by political and social matters," Martinez said, as he raised the possibility that Borgonia's appointment may be seen as "a simple political accommodation," stressing the need for transparency before committing public funds.

Borgonia is slated to receive a monthly compensation of P60,000 for the job.

"It is the prerogative of the governor to appoint consultants under her office," Board Member Raymond Joseph Calderon clarified, but said the request for Borgonia's appearance was reasonable.