WHAT appears to be a word war between the incoming officials led by mayor-elect Mark Louie Monungolh and outgoing officials arises over the 2026 budget preparation and the new admin threat not to honor previous contracts.
This came as the officials-elect appeared to be wanting that transition along with the outgoing officials be hastened for their assumption to office on the noon of June 30.
Monungolh has posted and questioned, “Ngano man gyud nga ikaw mogama ug budget for 2026? Para kintahay dili me madayon among mga plataporma unya moingon dayon wala me nabuhat?”
The statement of the mayor-elect did not name who will prepare the budget but it apparently and allegedly points to outgoing mayor Joseph Ranola’s administration, according to a Jagnaanon in an interview.
The camp of the outgoing administration thru the municipality of Jagna facebook account has retorted the allegation of the incoming admin.
It said that under section 318 of the Local Government Code of 1991, it is the duty of the incumbent dispensation to prepare the budget which is considered as budget call to be submitted on June 16. It is also based on “Budget Operations Manual for Local Government Units, 2023 Edition,” issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The Budget Call is a formal directive for all the LGUs to follow so that there will be no delay in the fund allocation, to gather all inputs/proposals for budget preparation and to ensure all programs based on data validated, according to the response of the outgoing admin.
As Team Priority coined by Monungolh clique is committed to people-centered governance, “it will not honor any contracts, deals, agreement or acts made by the outgoing administration during the campaign period and throughout the transition period leading up to formal assumption of office,” according to a post in social media.
It also warned that any deals made by the outgoing admin “will be subjected full scrutiny and legal review. And if proven to be irregular, anomalous they (deals) will be voided and challenged in the court.”
The outgoing admin issued clarification. “It is important to clarify, however, that any and all contracts, agreements, or official acts executed during our term—regardless of timing—were carried out in accordance with existing laws, with proper documentation, and always with the intent to serve the public good.”
“The outgoing administration respects the mandate given by the people of Jagna and fully supports a smooth and lawful transition of leadership,” it said.
It also said that it welcomes any legal review of our actions, confident that transparency and legality will stand up to scrutiny.
It also emphasized the following: All official actions were done within the bounds of the Local Government Code, the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184), and other relevant laws and issuances. “No “midnight deals” were entered into. Every transaction underwent proper legal vetting, was duly recorded, and remains subject to audit and review. And Public welfare—not political gain—has always been at the heart of our decision-making.” (rvo)
