By CESAR JOLITO III

The Council for Concerned Citizens (C3) has formally submitted its initial report on alleged anomalous infrastructure projects in Bacolod City, prompting assurances from the group’s legal counsel Atty. Renecito Novero that criminal and administrative complaints will be filed against those found responsible.

In a radio interview yesterday, Novero confirmed that their group’s investigation remains ongoing, focusing on what they described as irregularities in several public works funded over recent years.

He stressed that they are committed to pursuing accountability, emphasizing that corruption in infrastructure “directly harms communities.”

Among the projects cited in the C3 report are the flood control works along the Lupit River and the reclamation area, a supposed “ghost project” in Barangay Pahanocoy, and what they believe to be substandard implementations in other sites across the city.

Since 2017, Bacolod has recorded 138 flood control projects — many listed as “completed,” meaning fully paid for.

Yet C3 questions why massive flooding continues to persist despite billions poured into mitigation efforts.

“Why do these so-called completed projects fail to protect the public? Where did the money go?” Novero said, echoing concerns raised by affected residents.

The initial report includes names of individuals allegedly involved, including active and retired government officials.

Copies have been forwarded to Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

C3 has also prepared complaints for filing before the Office of the Ombudsman and the Philippine Competition Commission, marking the start of what could be a high-profile probe into Bacolod’s infrastructure spending.

Novero reiterated that the group’s efforts are purely advocacy-driven.

“We do this because we believe corruption kills — and in the case of failed flood control, it literally puts lives and properties at risk,” he said./CJ, WDJ