BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sangguniang Bayan of Isabela in Negros Occidental has been strongly directed by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to comply with the memorandum circular 2022-004 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government approving its 2022 annual budget, “so as not to frustrate the needed developmental initiatives and fiscal reforms” of the municipality.
The order issued by Lacson was based on the legal opinion and recommendation made by Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr.
The Isabela Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Renato Malabor Jr. failed to pass the town’s annual budget after it was submitted by Mayor Irene Montilla in October last year.
A close examination of the documents received from Mayor Irene Montilla and the municipal budget officer revealed that no appropriation ordinance has been enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan, since Feb. 21, according to Nellas.
Montilla said that the Sangguniang Bayan has not passed an appropriation ordinance, despite already conducting three regular sessions and a special session, and the passage of several resolutions.
Despite the lapse of the 75-day period provided for under DILG MC 2022-004, the Isabela SB has not passed any appropriation ordinance authorizing the budget, Nellas said.
“Continued inaction on the part of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Isabela may hold them liable for administrative liability provided under Section 60 of the Local Government Code,” he stressed.*
