BAGUIO CITY – Baguio City officials, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, have made a clarifying statement regarding the delay in various infrastructure projects funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWH-BCDEO).
Contrary to misconceptions and false impressions, they assert that the projects’ delay was not a result of corruption but rather due to contractor slippage.
Addressing concerns raised about the projects’ completion time, Mayor Magalong emphasized that no government funds were lost to corruption.
The city officials highlighted the transparency and accountability maintained throughout the process and stressed their commitment to ensuring that projects met quality standards.
“No government fund was lost to corruption. No money was pocketed. There was utmost transparency and accountability on the part of the city government and due diligence was exercised to make sure that the projects are implemented correctly based on quality standards,” the officials said.
The city took proactive measures when deficiencies and infractions were identified during inspections and monitoring activities.
Mayor Magalong personally ordered the termination of a contractor responsible for lapses in constructing multi-purpose buildings at Wright Park and subsequently blacklisted them due to found irregularities.
The Special Project Implementing Unit, comprising various city offices, issued multiple orders and conducted inspections, urging the contractor to rectify the identified deficiencies.
Despite these efforts, insufficient improvement was observed.
Mayor Magalong asserted the city’s stand against substandard projects, mentioning that the termination of contracts was a move to avoid shortchanging the public.
He clarified that while there were technical errors, there was never any corruption involved in the projects.
“We did those things because we can’t stand projects that are substandard and we never did pay projects that are below standard because that is tantamount to us shortchanging the public. What is important for these projects now is that no money was lost. There may have been some technical errors on the part of the city but there was never corruption,” the mayor stressed.
Regarding notices from the Commission on Audit (COA), they were instructions for submitting additional documents pending audit.
The matter concerning the Youth Convergence Center has been resolved, while the necessary documents for other projects have been submitted to the COA Audit Team.
The City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) reported that multiple notices to comply were issued to project contractors due to incurred deficiencies.
Responding to allegations and misinformation, Mayor Magalong expressed disappointment at baseless assumptions and erroneous claims circulating, including the inaccurate statement about a winning contractor being related to a city official.
Regarding the DPWH-BCDEO’s reported hesitation to allocate more funds to the city, the mayor challenged the department to reevaluate its own system, questioning their propensity to execute substandard projects and pay for them without considering their long-term effectiveness.
“Look who’s talking. Does the DPWH-BCDEO have the moral ascendancy to make such claims with its propensity to execute projects that are substandard and pay for them without regard as to whether these projects will last and will really serve the interest of the public? Alam na nga nilang substandard, binabayaran pa. Kaya ba nilang tumingin sa mata ng tao at humarap sa simbahan at sabihin na walang nakurakot?”, the mayor said.
(They already knew it was substandard, yet they paid for it. Can they look people in the eye and face the church, saying no one stole?)
The city officials reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and adherence to proper procedures in project implementation, emphasizing good governance as their guiding principle.
Mayor Magalong reiterated their dedication to ethical practices and promised to ensure that every endeavor serves the greater good, upholding the principles of civic responsibility.
As controversies and challenges persist, Baguio City officials stand firm in their commitment to transparent governance and ethical conduct in serving the public’s interests.
“We remain resolute in establishing the principles of transparency and adherence to proper procedures in the implementation of all projects in the city. Good governance remains as our guiding principle. In public service, where challenges are inevitable, our commitment to ethical practices is unyielding. We stand firm against baseless assumptions, using these moments as opportunities to enlighten the people. It is our duty to the public, a promise I gave to ensure that every endeavor serves the greater good and uphold the principles that form the foundation of our civic responsibilities”, the mayor said.
This clarification sheds light on the complexities surrounding infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of diligence, accountability, and adherence to quality standards in public works initiatives.
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