Another row threatens the fragile relationship between the executive and legislative departments over allegations of impropriety on the purchase of lots at the Dampas dump site. Councilor Zenaido Rama earlier made a big issue out of the request for a P15-million supplemental budget for the purchase of the lands used for the city dump site in Dao. Rama however failed to substantiate his allegations and fell short of naming names of three City Hall functionaries he claimed would make money in the purchase. Councilor Danilo Bantugan said he had expected Rama to expose the names of the officials involved in the alleged anomaly which the minority solon failed to do. Bantugan said that contrary to Rama's allegations, the amount will not be used solely for the purchase but will include other necessary expenses including the capital gains tax, 1 percent documentary stamps, transfer fee and processing fee.  Rama had demanded that if a supplemental budget will be approved, this will only cover the exact amount of the purchase. “If there is any excess amount after the purchase and other fees are paid, this cannot be used for other purposes,” Bantugan told newsmen later.

 Meanwhile, city administrator Walter Toston challenged Rama and members of the minority bloc to sue him if they can prove that he made money out of commissions in the lot purchase. Toston and city planning coordinator Eduardo Macalandag were invited to attend Friday's session after the minority bloc tried to hint of improprieties in the lot purchase. “If they are sincere, they should investigate first before making any accusations,” Toston told newsmen later that day.  The city administrator said his parents did not teach him to make a living on dishonest means. “They have already accused us of anomaly when the process has not even reached the appraisal committee,” Toston pointed out. He said that the Office of the City Mayor has not yet received any request for payment from the concerned lot owners.

Toston however noted that in his initial talks with some of the affected owners, he said the latter have expressed appreciation to Mayor Dan Lim for the proposal to pay for their lots. “They appreciate the offer of the mayor to pay for their lands which have been used as dump site by the city for the past 22 years without any compensation,” he added. Councilor Oscar Glovasa meanwhile explained that lot owners and even critics of the purchase have no reason to be afraid. “Under section 179 of the Revised Tax Code, if the lot owners are not amenable to the price, they can go to the mediation board. (The purchase) will also be subject for review by the (city council) before the actual payments are made,” Glovasa added. Toston said the problem with some people is that they are used to making instant profits that they cannot imagine that there are others who make an honest living in public service.