"Misinformed" is how Silay City administrator Ignacio Salmingo described former mayor Carlo Gamban who claimed that the city government is not bankrupt and is actually, financially okay.

In a press release, Salmingo claimed that based on the report from the City Budget Office, as of June 30, 2007, the Mayor's Office has a zero budget.

"The former mayor consumed the entire budget of P19,292,568.70 allocated for 12 months within only six months leaving nothing for the new administration," Salmingo claimed in his press release.

Gamban had earlier said that the claims that the budget of the Mayor's Office is zero up to December are "absolutely impossible".

He explained that, like other local governments, Silay has its monthly Internal Revenue Allotment and the city is expected to receive P20 million this month.

The former mayor also commented that in its recent request for supplemental budget, the new administration requested for a P1 million appropriation for Intelligence Fund.

In his press release, Salmingo said the new administration was left with no other alternative but to request for a Supplemental Budget of P7,300,000 that was recently approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod with the required majority votes.

On Gamban's statement that hiring of casual employees is not a priority of the new administration, Salmingo said they would like to hire as many casual workers as needed, but the city government does not have the money this year.

He also said that the P44 million payables pertains to the massive infrastructure projects implemented under his administration.

Gamban added it is normal for a local government unit to have a long-term loan for infrastructure projects.

Salmingo scored the previous administration on leaving behind a legacy of outstanding obligations totaling P44 million, some which went to ghost projects, he said.*NAB

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