Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor has called for a special session today after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) failed to act on an urgent supplemental budget needed to pay for electricity bills and other essential services.

In a Facebook post, Dolor expressed disappointment that Supplemental Budget No. 6 was referred to committee instead of being discussed during Monday’s regular session, despite carrying a Certificate of Urgency.

“It is clearly stated in the law that when there is a Certificate of Urgency, the three readings are set aside, and instead, requests from the Governor with a Certificate of Urgency are immediately discussed,” Dolor said.

The governor noted that the provincial board spent considerable time discussing a Department of the Interior and Local Government legal opinion and removing voting rights of ex-officio members in committee reorganization, but allocated no time for the supplemental budget.

The budget contains funds for the provincial government’s electricity bill, which is due today, water bills, assistance for the sick and bereaved through the Governor’s Social Medical Assistance Center, food for patients at Bulalacao Community Hospital, financial assistance and barangay programs, and salaries and overtime pay for Capitol employees.

According to documents from the Governor’s Office dated August 12, 2025, the supplemental budget totals P54.65 million for the General Fund and P34.72 million for the Botika ng Lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro.

The funds are sourced from savings from current and continuing appropriations under the General Fund, consistent with existing budgeting laws and processes.

Dolor said he requested the special session scheduled for 7:30 PM today after learning the budget was not passed by the provincial board.

“I am calling on the members of the Provincial Board to set aside other matters and attend the Special Session today, also for our sworn duty to the people,” the governor said.

The Certificate of Urgency, also dated August 12, 2025, says that the request for approval is “urgent in nature and requires immediate approval.”