A question of priorities

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The flavor of the week, as far as the media in Negros Occidental is concerned, is undoubtedly the report about the purchase of expensive vehicles by the members of the Provincial Board, now known as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The report states that such vehicles, described as “high end”, or costing more than a million pesos each, have been purchased, or about to be purchased for some ten members of the SP. The purchases are being justified as in order, because each member of the Sanggunian is entitled to P1.5 million as discretionary fund. The discretion as to whether to use this fund on projects to benefit his constituents, or himself, is left to the SP member.

The Governor himself has explained that such purchases are in order, that they are legal. The nitpickers among us, however, will not be able to resist asking what the priorities of our board members are when they prioritize the acquisition of expensive vehicles over the needs of their community. With the vehicles costing between P1 million and P1.3 million, how much would be left for the projects of the community in the SP member’s territory?

It is true that mobility is very important for public officials. However, it is also true that most, of not all of our SP members, especially in the Province, are people of means, who can afford to own and maintain at least one vehicle. If they wish to, therefore, they could use their own and avail of the allowances for gasoline and maintenance, which would involve a minimal sum, compared to the purchase of a brand-new, high-end one.

At least the amount allotted to this discretionary fund of SP members is also minimal, compared to those being enjoyed by congressmen and senators who annually get P70 million for the first and P200 million for the latter. And all those without having to subject purchases to accounting or audit. No wonder such funds end up in condominiums in Manila, resorts in seaside villages, houses in the United States. At least, for now, it is only vehicles.

That is why we continue to be poor, are stunted in development, and depend on our foreign workers. Until now, it is still a question of priorities hounding us.*