The Cebu City government will distribute the next tranche of P2,000 in financial assistance to some 67,300 senior citizens in the city on Saturday.
The city has set aside P134.6 million for the purpose, a part of the P12,000 annual financial assistance given to each qualified senior citizen in the city.
The cash assistance is usually distributed in the respective barangays in the city.
But some members of the city council questioned Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s order for the cash assistance to be distributed in some private residences of his supporters.
They warned the executive department of possible administrative liability considering that the transaction involves public funds.
In a privilege speech, Cebu City Councilor Jose Daluz III, a lawyer, said he is very much concerned about the matter.
He said City Ordinance 2453, which laid down the guidelines for the release of the senior citizens’ cash assistance, required that it be done “by the barangay.”
“We have a valid ordinance. The distribution of the financial assistance is sourced from public funds, thus, it should be given in areas which are public in character like barangay halls, sports complexes or schools. Why would a private citizen be involved in the giving of the cash aid?” he asked.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he has written the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas about the matter and asked them to intervene so public funds will be protected.