The Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved the ₱5.8 billion annual budget of the Puerto Princesa City government for the calendar year 2025 on its 3rd and final reading during the regular session on Monday.
Aside from the 2025 budget, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved an additional ₱900 million for this year’s Annual Investment Program (AIP) to fund projects not included in the regular budget.
The legislative body also granted Mayor Lucilo Bayron the authority to negotiate loans with banks to fund additional projects included in the AIP for 2025.
City Councilor Modesto Rodriguez II explained that while the city plans to utilize its savings for these projects, there is a possibility that they may not be sufficient.
The City Development Council, he added, submitted a list of projects based on recommendations from barangays, which were included in the AIP.
In such a scenario, securing a loan would provide the necessary funds to ensure the timely implementation of these initiatives.
“Ang in-approve pa lang namin ngayon ay authority to negotiate with banks and once nakapag-negotiate na, magpapasa kami ulit ng bagong ordinance para sa loan,” Rodriguez said.
“Merong sinubmit sa amin na pina-approve, yung list of projects na kailangan pang pondohan at inihahabol kasi in case na magkaroon ng savings pa at the end of the year, at least ready na yung list of projects na popondohan,” he explained.
His explanation comes amid claims from City Hall sources questioning the urgency of certifying the granting of authority to Mayor Bayron, describing it as “unusual.”
Rodriguez said the 2025 budget reflects an increase of around ₱800 million compared to this year’s budget.
Rodriguez, who chairs the Sanggunian’s Committee on Appropriations, stated that a significant portion of the budget will still go to the City Engineering Office, the City Health Office, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
“Of course, yung 20 percent development fund, nandoon yung mga infrastructure projects natin at meron tayong tinatawag na other development projects at iba pa na hindi kasama sa 20 percent,” Rodriguez said in an interview with the media.
He also noted that the social services sector received a bigger allocation for 2025.
“Nandoon sa CSWD naka-lodge yung incentives ng senior citizens, persons with disabilities, at solo parents, at yung ibang social services,” he said.
“Sa health services naman, nagkaroon tayo ng ordinance na we increased the incentives of our health workers,” he added.
Rodriguez further explained that most offices received nearly the same budget allocation, except for those with capital outlays. He also noted that personnel services increased to accommodate the 2nd tranche of the salary increase for city government employees.
