Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo said the proposed resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, seeking to withdraw the earlier authority it gave him to apply for a P350 million loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines, is irregular.

He said the first resolution is legal and binding, and will be implemented 15 days after its passage.

He questioned the legality of the second resolution since it was suggested by SP member Scott Wayne Husain, president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, who was absent during the special session when the SP gave Degamo the authority to seek the loan for the construction of the central block building of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital.

Degamo said he will implement the project even if the SP board members, who are against it, will bring him to court.

He said that, before the approval of the P350 million loan application, his office was asking for a certification from the Department of Health, Region 7, about the availability of the P100 million funds promised by the DOH for the central block building, but none arrived, and this prompted him to pursue his request for the loan authority.

Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) had earlier said the money has been downloaded to the region, and that DOH Secretary Enrique Ona promised the allotment of another P100 million next year.

Limkaichong said there is no need to acquire a loan as government funds have been assured for the project.

Rep. Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District) said that during a budget hearing, Ona said the DOH has an appropriation of P356 million for Region 7 next year, of which P100 million is allotted to Negros Oriental.

Teves also questioned the loan application of the province since funds are already available.

But Degamo said he has not seen any transmittal or certification from DOH confirming the availability of the P100 million.*JG