Back in July of this year,  Provincial Budget Officer Jose Percival Salado, Jr. discussed how the 2018 budget would not experience any cuts except for a 23 percent reduction in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), as ordered by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.

Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Salvador Escalante, Jr. recently reiterated the statement, saying the most recent hearing regarding the budget was “very fast.”

Despite Salado indicating the reduction order came directly from the governor, the board member said, for those who wish to maintain the initial MOOE budget, the decision would remain with Marañon.

Escalante also explained there is a provision that states 75 percent of the budget must be used by October of the current year, however, some offices failed to do so, which affects the performance of the province as a whole.

He added, the proposed budget of P3.5 million would be released every quarter of the year.

The board member said they are currently drafting a committee report to be presented and approved on its second reading by the provincial board next week.

He speculated an approval would be made by the first week of December./DGB, WDJ