TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin Vargas disagreed with Governor Manuel Mamba’s statement that they “don’t even have to approve” the Provincial Development Investment Plan (PDIP).
Vargas reiterated that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) is bound by the Constitution to ensure that the medium-term development plan is “sound.”
Mamba in an earlier interview downplayed the provincial board’s approval of the PDIP saying it was just created to inform the board of where his administration is going.
“Hindi ko alam kung saan siya nakakuha ng ideya na hindi ganun ka-importante ang Provincial Development Investment Plan. Kasi sa totoo lang sir, ito yung pagbabasehan ng ating Annual Investment Plan (AIP), which is the yearly investment plan,” Vargas said, adding that he still respects the governor’s stand.
The PDIP was earlier approved by the board after months of deliberation. The non-approval of the PDIP had stalled the passage of the AIP and the executive budget of the provincial government.
Vargas said the PDIP will be the board’s guide in the deliberation of the budget.
“Kaya nga po tayo nagkakaroon ng plano, feasibility, para mayron po tayong guide sa budget, lalung-lalo na yun 20% development fund para sa ating infrastructure. Kaya ako ay lubusang nagtataka, bakit sinasabi niya na kahit hindi aprubahan ang plano,” the vice governor added.
Vargas, the chairman of the provincial board’s chairman on the Committee on Appropriations, added that they will schedule marathon committee hearings for the passage of the AIP.
He also shrugged off the administrative complaint by Mamba before the Ombudsman against 11 members of the provincial board.
“Sa kaso naman sa amin, it doesn’t bother us. Sumagot lang kami, nag-counter-affidavit kami. Tuluy-tuloy pa rin naman yung pagdinig namin sa probinsiya ng Cagayan,” he said. Northernforum.net
