4Ps beneficiaries line up to withdraw at an ATM at Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. Photo by Eugene Murray/Palawan Daily News

Government

Bayron vetoes proposal for cash card system

By Gillian Faye Ibañez

December 12, 2019

Mayor Lucilo Bayron has vetoed a resolution that seeks to conduct a study on the possible implementation of the cash card system in the City Government’s distribution of allowance to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).

Tagging it as “prejudicial to public welfare”, Bayron rejected the resolution that was adopted by the City Council on November 12, 2019 during its 20th regular session.

The “Resolution Requesting the Office of the City Treasurer to Conduct a Study Concerning Possible Implementation of Cash Card System in the Distribution of Allowance/Financial Assistance by the City Government of Puerto Princesa to Senior Citizens and Person’s with Disability (PWD),” was authored by Councilor Peter Maristela.

“Although this is a mere request to the Office of the City Treasurer to conduct a study concerning the possible implementation of the cash card system in the distribution of allowance, [or] financial assistance, by the City Government of Puerto Princesa to senior citizens and PWD; although this is only a request to conduct a study; but I respect the decision of the honorable mayor pertaining to this matter,” Maristela said Monday.

Maristela also stated during the regular session on Monday, December 9, that he is not going to insist on the approval of the resolution out of his respect to the local chief executive’s decision.

The mayor’s veto message was postulated on the ground that the cash card system is “prejudicial to public welfare, specifically the welfare of senior citizens.”