ILOILO City – A brewing budget controversy has erupted at City Hall. Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace Baronda refused to sign the proposed 2026 budget for the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), citing cuts in the legislative branch’s allocation — particularly its capital outlay.
“I don’t want to think it’s political, but I feel it is because I’m in the opposition,” Baronda said, referring to the cut in her proposed capital outlay under the 2026 Executive Budget.
She added that while she is still reviewing the full document, the reduction in the SP’s budget was already evident.
Baronda pointed to Majority Floor Leader Councilor Rex Marcus Sarabia’s manifestation during the council’s session earlier, where he mentioned that the legislative branch would “sacrifice” its Coordinated Executive – Sangguniang Panlungsod Efforts for the Development of Iloilo City (CESPEDIC) program budget despite the cuts.
“The CESPEDIC budget intended for my office and Councilor Sheen Mabilog in the 2025 Annual Budget was not approved by Mayor (Raisa) Treñas,” Baronda lamented.
“When you say CESPEDIC, it’s fine to make cuts if we’re all treated the same. But because they are in the majority, they can still request job orders from the Mayor anytime even without the CESPEDIC budget — while Councilor Sheen and I cannot,” Baronda said. “That’s the reality. I hope I’m wrong. I hope when they talk about good governance, they actually mean it — and not just lip service.”
Under the 2025 annual budget, the CESPEDIC program — which funds the salaries of the staff of councilors and the vice mayor, as well as their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) — had a total allocation of P74.5 million.
Of this, each councilor was entitled to P2.23 million, the vice mayor P3.53 million, and the mayor P38.5 million. The program is managed by the City Mayor’s Office, giving the mayor discretion over its use, including the approval of appointments for staff under the councilors and the vice mayor./PN