Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao has expressed frustration over the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s (SP) delay in approving the Executive Department’s proposed 2025 annual budget. In a recent press conference, the mayor criticized what he described as politically motivated actions by the city council.
“I do not want to use the term ‘politicking,’ but it is clear that they are targeting specific individuals and making unnecessary demands for documents beyond what should be addressed in a budget hearing,” Mayor Matabalao stated.
The mayor emphasized that the Local Finance Committee (LFC) had thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized the proposed budget, rendering additional input from department heads unnecessary. According to him, the SP’s demands for extra paperwork go beyond the standard scope of the annual budget review process.
While Mayor Matabalao acknowledged the possibility of unanswered questions during the hearings, he clarified that any additional steps, such as summoning department heads for further explanations, must first have his approval. He suggested that the council’s actions might be aimed at undermining the Executive Department.
“They keep requesting documents and raising questions that are not directly related to the budget. This goes beyond the proper bounds of their role in these proceedings,” he added.
The controversy has drawn attention to the city’s governance dynamics, with the mayor standing firm on the budget’s integrity. He reaffirmed that the LFC has done its due diligence in preparing the financial proposal, designed to address the city’s needs for the upcoming fiscal year.
This development adds another layer of tension between the Executive Department and the SP, potentially delaying crucial programs and projects for 2025. Mayor Matabalao’s remarks underscore the urgency of approving the budget to ensure the city’s operations and services continue without disruption.
The public now awaits the SP’s next move, as the spotlight remains on the budget impasse and its implications for Cotabato City’s future.