By Mae Singuay

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bacolod City clarified that no government funds were used for the travel of several punong barangays in the city.

“Personal na ila nga travel. Wala ina sang funds halin sa ila barangay ukon sa city [government]. Gin-shoulder na ni Mayor [Alfredo Abelardo Benitez] personally,” DILG-Bacolod officer-in-charge Christian Nagaynay said.

Several punong barangays and some city council members traveled abroad this week.

Of the 61 village chiefs, nine failed to travel for unknown reasons.

The punong barangays are required to secure travel authority and file an official leave approved by the mayor.

Benitez, before his trip, designated Councilor Israel Salanga as acting city mayor from April 11 to 12.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran will also assume as acting local chief executive from April 13 to 15./MS, WDJ