By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya warned erring contractors that they could soon face termination and blacklisting as the city government is stepping up its efforts to hold construction firms accountable for delayed flood control and drainage projects in the city.
“Contractors who fail to perform will not be tolerated. They may be blacklisted from future city government projects,” Gasataya warned.
Two drainage projects are now under review for possible contract termination due to significant delays.
These include drainage projects at Purok Nangka in Barangay 3 and near the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area — both awarded to the same contractor.
“I have directed the City Legal Office to initiate the process for possible termination of these contracts,” Gasataya said.
The City Mayor’s Office is also conducting a wider review of ongoing infrastructure initiatives, particularly flood control works handled by the City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Projects that have already received mobilization funds but show no visible progress are also being investigated.
In a bid to ensure stricter oversight of government contracts, Gasataya has issued an executive order forming the Bacolod City Contract Termination Review Committee, which will evaluate and terminate procurement contracts that violate laws or fail to meet timelines.
The committee is chaired by City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, with Bids and Awards Committee head Hermilo Pa-oyon serving as vice chairperson.
Their mandate is to enforce accountability, efficiency and transparency in public spending.
This move comes as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also sounded the alarm over questionable flood control projects nationwide.
In the latest episode of his “BBM Podcast,” the President warned that private contractors involved in anomalies could face sanctions, be blacklisted and even be charged.
“We already have some names that are coming up,” Marcos said.
“These companies will be required to explain how they used the funds for the projects,” the President said.
Earlier, more than 5,000 residents in 12 barangays in Bacolod City were affected by flooding caused by heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, highlighting the need for effective flood control measures.
In late July, the city government launched a large-scale cleanup and dredging operation in Barangay Banago, targeting severely clogged waterways that threaten low-lying communities.
The operation is focused on removing massive debris build-up — including hardened silt, plastic waste and construction scraps — that has been blocking drainage systems.
“The water flow has shrunk to less than a foot in some areas. Floodwaters from Barangay Bata, Sta. Clara and Mandalagan can’t pass through properly — it’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Gasataya said.
Gasataya said rapid urbanization and poor drainage infrastructure are key factors contributing to the recurring floods.
The mayor said flooding is not an isolated issue, as “climate change, accelerated urban growth and outdated infrastructure are converging to challenge the city’s resilience.”
Clogged waterways and drainage systems also contribute to the problem, he pointed out.
As Bacolod continues to battle perennial flooding, city officials say these stricter measures are necessary to ensure that public funds are not wasted — and that residents are no longer left vulnerable during heavy rains./CJ, WDJ