By CESAR JOLITO III

The Kabankalan Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved Mayor Benjie Miranda’s proposal to secure a P2-billion loan for a “flood-free” project, but the decision immediately triggered questions on its legality and raised concerns over transparency and planning.

In a closely split vote, seven councilors voted in favor of the loan while six opposed it.

Those opposed argued that the resolution fell short of the “qualified majority” required by law, which they said should be at least eight out of the 14 SP members.

They said the vote may not be valid under the Local Government Code.

Citing Section 458, the opposing councilors said a simple majority of members present is not enough.

Instead, an absolute majority of all members of the council — at least eight out of 14 — is required to grant the mayor authority to negotiate and contract loans.

Councilor Adolfo Mangao Jr., one of the six opposing members, insisted the project was improperly approved.

“The majority is 50 percent plus one. Hence, the qualified majority shall be eight,” Mangao said.

Mangao said no detailed project master plan was presented during the session.

“We want to make sure that people’s money will not go to waste. The people entrusted us to safeguard their funds,” he added.

Councilor Ann Marie Zayco also criticized the lack of documentation and clarity on how the loan would be used.

“We all recognize the need to address flooding, but we cannot enter into a P2-billion debt without clear studies, technical justifications and a repayment plan. We have to protect Kabankalanons and future generations,” Zayco stressed.

Joining Zayco and Mangao in opposing the loan were councilors Joan Cagape, Marie Vic Anacan, Jenelyn Sacadan, and Ernie Libona.

Voting in favor were councilors John Antolo, Rico Regalia, Macario Zafra, Jerzy Guanzon, Jose Dumaguete, Helen Ibañez, and Joestarr Bandojo.

Meanwhile, Miranda defended the project, citing the devastating floods during Typhoon “Odette” in 2021, which caused billions in damages across the city.

“We need to take action and provide solutions to this longtime flood problem. This loan will not just fund drainage systems but also provide heavy equipment for dredging operations citywide,” the mayor said.

Miranda earlier said the loan is crucial to fund long-term flood control projects that will benefit thousands of residents who have endured recurring floods.

“Indi mahimo nga wala kita sang himuon sa tunga sang malawig nga pag-antos sang aton pumuluyo,” he stressed./CJ, WDJ