By Mae Singuay

The construction of the new legislative building has yet to start this month as the site will be utilized for some activities during the MassKara Festival 2023, which will start this week.

Bacolod City Councilor Thaddeus Sayson, committee on finance and appropriations chair, said the contractor could not proceed with the construction despite a notice to proceed already issued.

A P525 million budget was allocated for the construction of the four-storey building beside the Bacolod City Government Center.

The source of funds is part of the city government’s P4.4 billion loan.

Sayson said a groundbreaking ceremony will be held in November and the project will be completed in 18 months.

The councilor hopes the new building will be utilized before the 2025 elections.

Meanwhile, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said it’s time to have a new legislative building for the city council because the old one is already crowded.

Benitez added that the old building will be occupied by other city government offices from the old city hall./MS, WDJ