Capas Mayor Redirects 8-Million Confidential Fund
MABALACAT CITY — Reelected Capas Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez has announced a bold move to relinquish his P8-million confidential fund for 2026. Instead of using this budget, he plans to allocate the amount toward programs benefiting senior citizens and public school students.
Rodriguez shared his decision on Facebook, emphasizing that the confidential fund intended for the mayor’s office would better serve the community if redirected to direct assistance programs. “I will be relinquishing my confidential funds for next year in the amount of 8 million pesos a year, as I am directing the local finance committee to remove this expense item from our budget,” he stated.
He further explained, “Instead, we will use this P8-million confidential fund to increase the assistance fund for our senior citizens, and in our desire to allocate funds to provide school supplies for our young students.” The mayor also posted a video recording of his speech from the municipal council’s inaugural session on July 8, where he first revealed this plan.
Priorities Focused on Community Needs
During his address, Mayor Rodriguez outlined his administration’s key priorities for the coming three years: education, health, social welfare, and other pressing community concerns. He said the decision to give up the confidential fund was motivated by a strong desire to support these programs more effectively.
“To my colleagues and fellow elected officials, I set this example. I hope you follow the leader. We do not need to compromise, but sometimes we must sacrifice for those who trusted us,” Rodriguez said, urging other officials to consider similar sacrifices for the public good.
Political Journey and Election Victory
Rodriguez first became mayor in 2022 after serving three terms as vice mayor. He won that election by defeating then-incumbent Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan and former Mayor Antonio “TJ” Rodriguez. In the recent elections, he again secured his position, overcoming Catacutan and two other challengers, according to local leaders.
This move to give up the 8-million confidential fund demonstrates a commitment to transparency and prioritizing the welfare of Capas residents over discretionary spending. The funds will now support vital social programs, including senior citizen assistance and educational supplies for students, aiming to uplift vulnerable sectors in the community.
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