Tension rocks PB

“Thus, the gentleman’s remarks were presumptuous, blatantly unfair, and evidently biased, especially for those who attended in the last special session,” Martinez said, noting that Borgoña did not participate in any of the consultative meetings on the proposed budget.

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The May 21 session was meant to deliberate on Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s certified urgent proposal for the P1.2-billion Supplemental Budget 1, which incorporates the Annual Investment Program.

Only Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and Board Members Soco, Victoria Corominas-Toribio, Michael Joseph Villamor, Andrei “Red” Duterte, and Kerrie Shimura were present, resulting in a lack of quorum.

Martinez stressed that several members were either on official or personal leave after the elections, while others had requested more time to review the budget — not as a deliberate act of obstruction.

He called Borgoña’s actions “disheartening,” saying that rather than promoting unity during the transition period, the remarks fostered division and cast unnecessary doubts on the legislative body.

“I speak now not only for myself, but for the integrity of the entire Sanggunian Panlalawigan, whom I choose to defend,” Martinez said.

He emphasized that Borgoña’s issues with Governor Garcia appeared personal and should not drag the rest of the board into conflict.

Martinez also reiterated that the supplemental budget is intended not only for the current board’s operations but to support the incoming members, including the two additional representatives for Mandaue City’s lone district, which has no budget in place until yearend.

He said this expansion increases the board’s membership from 18 to 20, including the vice governor, and necessitates additional funding for capital outlay, supplies, and other operational needs.

Martinez explained that the supplemental budget covers funding for two new offices, the Local Assistance Fund, and allowances for all 20 members — not just the vice governor.

He further revealed that Borgoña previously asked if they could request the governor to augment their gasoline allowance, a provision that is already included in the proposed supplemental budget.