By CESAR JOLITO III
The People’s Coalition for Good Governance (PCGG) has sounded the alarm over alleged corruption and mismanagement of flood control projects in Bacolod City.
In a statement, PCGG convenor Wennie Sancho said the projects, supposedly designed to shield residents from recurring floods, have instead become “a symbol of graft and deceit.”
Despite repeated infrastructure projects, Sancho said floods continue to damage properties and disrupt lives, leaving Bacolodnons to bear the brunt of corruption.
“The lack of effective flood control measures puts thousands at risk and hinders the city’s development,” he said.
“Residents whisper about the substandard materials used and the lack of proper oversight,” Sancho noted, stressing that the structure’s disrepair raises concerns about the effectiveness of flood control measures across the city.
Sancho alleged that powerful individuals and construction firms colluded to siphon off millions of pesos from government funds.
He cited MKU Construction and Legacy Construction, companies reportedly linked to influential figures, which were awarded multimillion-peso contracts despite questions over their track records.
One such project, the Bacolod City Esplanade, worth P37.2 million and completed in 2019, has since deteriorated.
The PCGG is urging citizens to press for transparency and accountability from local leaders.
Sancho challenged officials to initiate an investigation into the alleged irregularities, saying such action would prove their integrity in public service.
“Let our voices be heard. No one is above the law. From the president down to the lowly janitor in government — we are all creatures of the law and bound to obey the law. Public office is a public trust,” Sancho said.
Public oversight
To strengthen transparency and accountability in government spending, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlalawigan is pushing for the passage of the proposed ordinance, which seeks to institutionalize mechanisms that will allow citizens to participate in the monitoring of all government-funded infrastructure projects in the city.
Councilor Celia Flor said the ordinance is designed to ensure that public works are implemented efficiently, inclusively and free from substandard practices.
“People can monitor the projects of the city government. They should know where the budget goes and if the project is implemented properly and not substandard,” Flor emphasized.
Under the proposal, a multistakeholder oversight group will be established to monitor, audit and provide regular updates on projects.
The body will be composed of representatives from the City Engineer’s Office, accredited private chambers, and civil society organizations.
The group will have access to information regarding the type of project, its funding, implementation timeline, and expected completion date.
“This is what the people are asking for — transparency on what kind of project is being implemented, how much is being spent, when it started, and when it will be completed,” Flor said./CJ, WDJ