City dad questions P19-million budget for legislative bldg makeover

Local

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes

A CITY councilor has raised concerns about the proposed P19-million budget for the renovation of Cebu City's Legislative Building.

During an executive session on September 5, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., an engineer, scrutinized the costs, especially the P11 million allocated for RGB (Red, Green, Blue) lighting.

Archival questioned the need for the costly lighting system amid ongoing poverty and recent reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) about excessive electricity spending.

Archival expressed doubts about prioritizing such a project when the city faces financial constraints and potential increases in electricity costs.

The renovation plan includes repainting the building’s exterior, replacing rooftop aluminum cladding, installing wall-mounted cabinets, and other electrical upgrades, along with RGB lighting. This lighting is intended to enhance city tourism and is programmed for 12 events, including Christmas and Sinulog celebrations.

Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros supported the lighting proposal, suggesting it could attract tourists.

However, he emphasized that the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) needs to justify the associated costs and future electricity expenses.

Ma. Lilibeth del Mar of DEPW defended the lighting proposal, explaining that it would mainly operate at night and could be set to turn off at midnight. She added that the lighting recommendation came from a consultant with the mayor’s office and is part of a trend in city beautification.

Del Mar also addressed concerns about the budget, stating it includes more than just lighting, such as necessary permits and other construction-related costs.

Archival questioned the inclusion of permit costs, arguing that it is unreasonable for the city to pay for permits for its own building.

He noted that these permits are part of the general requirements for starting the renovation.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, who sponsored the renovation resolution, clarified that the funding allocation is still preliminary and the project has not yet gone out to bid.

He explained that the resolution was intended to secure funding for the proposed works, not to finalize project details.(MyTVCebu)