San Pablo’s Christmas Gift Funds Spark Mayor-Vice Mayor Tension
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San Pablo City is facing a political clash ahead of the holidays as Mayor Najie Gapangada and Vice Mayor Justin Colago disagree over the use of funds for Christmas gifts. The mayor proposed reallocating city resources to provide Noche Buena packages for residents, but the vice mayor pointed out that the funds come from the Gender and Development (GAD) budget and cannot be legally used for other purposes. This disagreement has sparked debate among officials and residents about generosity, legality, and accountability.
SAN PABLO CITY, LAGUNA — Tensions have flared between Mayor Najie Gapangada and Vice Mayor Justin Colago over the planned use of funds intended for Christmas gifts in the city.
Mayor Gapangada proposed reallocating a portion of the city’s budget for “Noche Buena” packages and gifts for residents in celebration of the holiday season. The initiative aimed to bring festive cheer and assistance to families in need, particularly those affected by recent economic challenges.
However, Vice Mayor Colago raised strong objections, pointing out that the funds in question are sourced from the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget and cannot legally be diverted for other purposes.
“This cannot be done because it is a GAD fund,” Colago said. “These resources are specifically intended for programs and projects that promote gender equality and development initiatives, not for holiday gifts.”
The disagreement has sparked debate among city officials and residents alike. Some view the mayor’s proposal as a compassionate move to support families during the holiday season, while others stress the importance of adhering strictly to legal and financial regulations. Many are questioning whether reallocating these funds, even with good intentions, sets a precedent that could undermine accountability and transparency in the local government.
Mayor Gapangada has yet to comment on whether alternative funding will be sourced for the Christmas gift program. Meanwhile, city residents are left pondering a critical question: Should public funds be used to spread holiday cheer, even if it means bending their intended purpose, or should financial regulations remain absolute, even at the cost of missing an opportunity to help those in need?
As the holidays draw closer, the city of San Pablo finds itself at the intersection of generosity, legality, and public accountability. The coming days will likely determine not only how the funds are used, but also how residents perceive the priorities and leadership of their elected officials. In the end, the question remains for everyone watching closely: Are you in favor of the mayor’s initiative, or do you side with the vice mayor’s call for strict adherence to budget rules?