By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Ombudsman for the Visayas took up the inquiry posed by the Task Force Crusaders (TFC) questioning two “questionable” infrastructure projects in Hinoba-an.
Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao has been given five days by the Ombudsman to respond to questions raised by TFC National Deputy Commander John Chiong surrounding the P17 million Hinoba-an Fish Terminal and Port project and the Hinoba-an Public Market.
For the Hinoba-an Fish Terminal and Port, Chiong pointed out funds were released two years ago and the project has yet to be completed.
“The people in the town, as well as some municipal officials, do not know about the project and its status,” he said. “No public hearing nor transparency efforts have ever been made by the municipal government.”
Chiong added the Hinoba-an Public Market project has yet to start, despite a groundbreaking led by municipal officials.
“The project contractor was even allowed to put up a huge, fenced compound on the property owned by the municipal government, at the back of the municipal hall,” he added.
The TFC official noted the project did not go through the town council or a public consultation.
As of press time, Estrao could not be reached for comment./WDJ