Talania inherits empty town coffer

PRACTICALLY, nothing can be done with the remaining months of the year as the town coffer is almost empty except for the P300 monthly budget for fuel, Mayor’s Intelligence Fund, and Calamity Fund.

This was revealed by Titay Mayor Leonardo Talania in an interview with The Zamboanga Sibugay Tribune last week.

“There is not much that can be done now with the 2016 budget almost expended,” the new mayor smilingly told this newspaper in a mixed English and dialect.

At most, he said, “there is the Calamity Fund that we can work with those who are affected by calamity.” The Calamity Fund comprises 5% of the Economic Development Fund (EDF) and can only be disposed if there are calamity-affected areas of the municipality.

“Right now, my hands are bound with the present financial condition of the local government until next year where we can have the new budget passed by the Sangguniang Bayan,” Talania explained.

Much of his program, he said, have to wait for next year to be implemented.

“The local government has no money right now under our disposal,” he flatly declared.

He is optimistic, however, his plans and programs will be on track next year once the new budget is in place.

The mayor asked his constituencies to be patient as the local government is saddled with financial constraints at the moment.

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