The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Appropriations is considering slashing the budget of Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Provincial Media Information Office (PIMO) by half for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year, officials revealed on Friday.
The provincial government’s total budget for 2024 is pegged at P30,683,894.06, with PIMO’s current allocation estimated at P1,236,915.00.
The committee is proposing to cut PIMO’s funding to just P618,457.50 for the first six months of the year.
The committee, headed by Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, conducted budget hearings for the provincial government’s spending plan at the Capitol on November 26th.
According to Cepedoza, the panel found PIMO’s performance lacking, noting that the office has remained silent on criticisms against the provincial administration and has failed to adequately promote the government’s programs and projects.
“We’ve observed that it takes time before PIMO can send out press releases. There seems to be something wrong with the work ethics of those in the office,” lamented Board Member Jisele Villamor.
PIMO head Mark Pernia was grilled and reprimanded by board members, who provided guidance on the office’s proper role and functions.
Cepedoza drew a comparison with how the Cebu provincial government’s press office actively highlights its initiatives, a stark contrast to PIMO’s shortcomings.
The consensus among panel members is to cut PIMO’s budget by half for the first six months of 2024, with any future increase to be taken up with the new administration that will assume office in July.
The SP committee is still conducting hearings to finalize the 2025 provincial budget.
Officials said the panel’s decision on PIMO’s funding will depend on the office’s ability to step up its performance in the coming months.