BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez yesterday defended the tapping of consultancy services of three provincial government executives, stressing there is “no cost to the city government, or pro bono basis.”
Ever since Day 1, the provincial government has been continuously helping us, especially Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, who is helping us in the health programs and opening Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital for Bacolodnons, and Lucille Gelvolea for economic plans and programs of the city government, Benitez said.
This is nothing, like there is something new that will happen, or changes in Bacolod City, he said, stressing that “it is more of recognizing their assistance, and formalizing their help to the city government.”
Diaz earlier said that Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson already approved their “pro bono” consultancy services to the Bacolod City government.
Aside from the three Capitol executives, Benitez also tapped the pro bono services of Atty. Valerie Ann Hollero for health care and insurance programs.
Benitez said he expects that the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod will favorably act on his request during their regular session next week.
Asked if the three Capitol executives will “step over a few functions” in the city government, Benitez said “they are merely consultants. It is not that they will be given line functions.”
“It’s more of an advisory function, as they are also busy with their work at the Capitol. We are formalizing their arrangements so that the people will not wonder why they are in the city,” he stressed
The systems successfully implemented by the provincial government will be shared with Bacolod City without charge, Diaz earlier said, citing ease of doing business and digitalization.
He further said that the provincial government will also share its 911 services with Bacolod City.
“We can mutually help one another,” Diaz said.*
