Virac, Catanduanes – Governor Patrick Alain Azanza confirmed that he had a meeting with Vice Governor Robert Fernandez, which was facilitated through the initiative of Bishop Louie Occiano.
In an interview with Radyo Peryodiko, Azanza mentioned that he agreed to the proposal of the SP to implement their version. However, he laid out that should he implement it, the members of the SP would need to sign a document stating that the executive branch would not be held accountable in case of disallowances by the Commission on Audit or any legal consequences of the action.
The discussion centered on the Quick Response Fund (QRF), where solutions were proposed to address the differing versions between the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the PDRRMC, led by the governor and vice governor.
It would be better to have something in black and white to avoid any future blame should the action lead to legal consequences. In response, the Vice Governor said he would consult the SP members about it.
It is worth noting that the dispute between the two camps began when the SP did not support the executive’s proposal under the PDRRMC. A new version was created, offering cash assistance instead of galvanized iron or in-kind items. The resolution ordinance, approved by the majority of the SP, was vetoed by the executive, but the SP overrode the veto.
According to the governor, he remains open to suggestions for talks with the SP members, but there must be a unified stance, and promises should be avoided.
Reports indicate that there have been multiple discussions between the governor and SP members regarding various proposals. However, the SP has presented different versions from what was initially agreed upon, causing the governor to lose interest in further discussions.
Due to the stalemate, the 26 million pesos allocated for provincial government aid remains pending. The governor mentioned that, because of this situation, he has sought assistance from other presidential offices through the DSWD and DSUD to aid those affected by Typhoon Uwan.
It is estimated that around 200 million pesos will be distributed as emergency cash assistance for partially and totally damaged houses through the DSWD, which started distribution on Tuesday in the towns of Caramoran and Pandan, with plans to extend to other towns in the province. Over 50 percent of the roofing materials have also been distributed to storm victims, with five million pesos provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and an additional two million pesos for galvanized iron.
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