A Letter of Disclaimer on the approval of the 2010 Annual Budget of the province of Samar

Republic of the Philippines
PROVINCE OF SAMAR
Catbalogan, Samar

TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

August 27, 2010

HON. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN
Vice-Governor
Province of Samar

LETTER OF DISCLAIMER

The undersigned are members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Samar.

This is to formally and officially DISCLAIM the validity of ordinance for the approval of the 2010 Annual Budget of the Province of Samar that transpired during the regular session of the Sanggunaing Panlalawigan on august 26, 2010 at the Samar Provincial Capitol Building.

The procedure adopted by the members present for the alleged approval of the 2010 annual Budget was IMPROPER and ILLEGAL as it failed to meet the necessary requirements for approval of an appropriation ordinance which requires the MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN,

Moreover, the 2010 annual Budget was UNCEREMONIOUSLY, CLANDESTINELY AND SURREPTITOUSLY treated during said regular session as it was not calendared on the said session and it was only brought on the item for Other Matters despite the fact that said 2010 budget is already with the proper Committees and is under treatment and consideration of the concerned Committee.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Samar is composed of FOURTEEN (14) MEMBERS including the Vice Governor as the Presiding Officer. A simple mathematical computation would clearly show that a vote of SEVEN (7) members is necessary to meet the requirement of MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN for the approval of an appropriation ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, We are FORMALLY and OFFICIALLY DISCLAIMING the validity of the ordinance for the approval of the 2010 annual Budget and any transactions and/or dealing pursuant to said invalid ordinance shall be ineffective and has no force and effect of the law.

Thank you and we are hoping that you will give this matter a preferential attention.