11/07/2025
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝑾𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚, 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞.
We are deeply concerned about the recent resolution passed by six members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Tanza, Cavite, calling for the merger of the Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee—two vital bodies that serve distinct and essential roles in local governance.
Despite statements from the six SB Members and the Matro Bros Page dismissing criticisms as "fake news" and condemning the publicization of council sessions as politically motivated, the public deserves clarity. It is evident that the main intent behind these actions is to proceed with the committee merger, a move that risks eroding transparency and the system of checks and balances that ensure responsible fiscal management.
The Ways and Means Committee is responsible for crafting and reviewing revenue-generation policies, while the Appropriations Committee ensures the proper allocation and oversight of public funds. Merging these two removes a critical layer of accountability—placing both funding and spending powers in the hands of one group, with little to no oversight.
This development has sparked significant public opposition and concern. Many citizens fear that this consolidation of power will lead to mistrust, partisan decision-making, and a lack of fiscal discipline. Rather than dismissing dissent, it is the duty of public officials to engage in transparent, inclusive, and democratic dialogue with their constituents.
If the goal truly is to improve efficiency or governance, then it must be done with the people, not against their will.
We call on the Sangguniang Bayan to reconsider this resolution, to uphold the integrity of public office, and to respect the voices of the people they are sworn to serve.
