Lawmakers question hemodialysis funding shortage

Lawmakers expressed their opposition to the planned reprogramming of funds from the Kagman wastewater project to the ongoing hemodialysis center project—one that they consider as being adequately funded by the Legislature.

“You’ve got $11 million for this project. The contract was only worth $5.6 million. It’s very clear that the funding was sufficient. You had in fact a surplus. Why do we have a crisis now?” asked Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero.

Deleon Guerrero said he has a hard time agreeing to cut the Kagman wastewater funding since it is also a crucial project, affecting public health and sanitation.

He said he is not comfortable with the Babauta administration’s assurance of returning the Kagman funds in the 2007 budget.

“Perhaps if it’s 2006, I may be a little comfortable,” he said, noting that a change in leadership would also result in funding priorities.

“I’m not trying to imply something here,” he added, eliciting laughter in the chamber.

Deleon Guerrero is a partymate of Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who is seeking reelection in the 2005 general elections.

He described the hemodialysis project funding shortage as “an artificially created crisis.”

Minority bloc Rep. Arnold Palacios agreed, saying the issue is about “jeopardizing the health of people” when wastewater funding is taken.

Rep. David Apatang also opposed the reprogramming of funds.

The House conducted yesterday a hearing attended by departments of Public Health and Public Works officials following the Babauta administration’s request to reprogram $5.6 million from the $10-million Kagman project for the hemodialysis project.

House vice speaker Timothy Villagomez introduced yesterday a bill supporting the administration’s funding request.

Villagomez indicated it is a practical approach to use the Kagman money for now since its construction timeframe is uncertain anyway due to the need for a reevaluation of the entire project.

Babauta, in his letter to the Legislature, said he would ensure that the Kagman funding would be restored as soon as possible.

“I don’t really like reprogramming funds out of the Kagman sewer project. It’s a very important project. But due to the urgency of hemodialysis and some delays with the Kagman project, we’re resorting to this [step]. We’d make sure to replenish that with new funds,” he said.

Public Works officials said some $10 million has been spent on the hemodialysis project, including the contract amount and other expenses.