Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. is confident that the rehabilitation and upgrading of the four major hospitals in the province will push through amid the possible delay in the release of the P300-million loan from the government bank, Land Bank of the Philippines.

Defensor said that instead of just passing a resolution, the Central Bank wanted the passage of an ordinance before they approve the loan contract.

The governor said that though the Sangguniang Panlalawigan could not possibly pass an ordinance before the banning on the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds due to the election period, still, the repair and rehabilitation of the province’s four major hospitals will push through.

These hospitals are Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan, Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal and Sara District Hospital in Sara.

“Whatever happens, before or after the elections, it will happen,” he said.

As stated on Section 1 of Comelec Resolution No. 9585, no public official or employee including barangay officials and those of government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries shall release, disburse or expend any public funds from the start of the campaign period for local officials on March 29, 2013 up to the election day on May 13.

Meanwhile, while the improvement of the four hospitals is still hanging, Defensor said the rehabilitation and upgrading work for the eight other district hospitals in the province will not be affected as they are scheduled for bidding before the campaign period.*