Guv recalls request for P3.4M to buy new car

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Governor Esteban Evan Contreras recalled his request for a P3.4-million budget for his new official car.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Jonathan Besa, Committee on Appropriations chair, confirmed that he received a letter from the Office of the Governor recalling the request for appropriation to buy a new vehicle.

Besa said the governor may have realized that the budget could be used for other important things to be prioritized amid the pandemic.

Besa added that the request is untimely because the province is in the middle of a calamity.

SP member Matteo Hachuela, committee on rules and privileges chairman, thanked the governor for changing his mind.

“I think the governor has heard the sentiments of the people that his request is not essential as the province has a lot of important things to attend to”, he said.

With the withdrawal of the request, Hachuela said that the debate challenge of Capiz provincial administrator Edwin Chinel Monares would not happen.

Monares earlier challenged Hachuela to a debate inside the SP session hall to clarify the governor’s request.

Hachuela said that there’s nothing to debate on anymore because the request was recalled already.

Contreras requested a new vehicle because the current governor’s vehicle purchased during the time of former governors Victor Tanco Sr. and Antonio del Rosario always conks out.