Investigation of P211m ‘unfinished’ projects sought

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The chairman of the Committee on Urban and Rural Poor and Housing Development of the City Council, Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, CALLED for an investigation into the unfinished projects worth P211 million.

However, Cabanlas clarified that the reported unliquidated disbursement of P211 million from 2018-2022, which was observed by the regional office of the Commission on Audit (COA), did not happen during the time of Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy.

Cabanlas emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation of unfinished projects, repeating his request.

These projects were not implemented during the term of Mayor Uy, said Cabanlas.

This was pointed out in the special report of Cabanlas during the session chaired by Vice Mayor Rodriguez.

Earlier, the COA expressed concerns about the unfinished projects, some of which were started in 2018.

Of the 37 projects reviewed, three were reported to be operational but found to have not yet started.

The projects mainly include roads, drainage, flood-control systems, and small buildings.

They are not identified in the report and are marked only with serial numbers.

The COA report refers to a project known as “SN-97-2022,” which is expected to be completed by December 13, 2022.

However, as of December 14, the project is still ongoing.

These delays in the completion of the project prevented the immediate and maximum use of the development fund, according to COA-Northern Mindanao director Matthew Rey Magno.

In addition, doubts have been raised about the accuracy of the reported status of infrastructure projects.

During the actual inspection, it was discovered that three of the ongoing projects, which were reported to be operational, have not yet started.

This information is highlighted in Magno’s letter.

According to the auditors, the implemented projects of the city hall were found to be delayed by a distance of four to 855 calendar days as of September 30, 2022.

However, Cabanlas pointed out that the implication is not equal to the sin but expressed his desire to give full attention and explanation to the issue for the public.

The public has the right to know and the responsibility to monitor public funds, Cabanlas emphasized.

Cabanlas expressed concern about the COA report that said there are projects in the city that have not yet been completed and have been paid for by the government after receiving the 15% mobilization fund.

He strongly advocated that these issues be investigated and clarified for the benefit of public knowledge.

Cabanlas’ report was forwarded to the Committee on Public Works, led by Councilor John Michael Seno, and the Committee on Finance, led by Councilor Yan Lam Lim, for further investigation and recommendations.

Meanwhile, Councilor Bernie Esparcia, the chairman of the Committee on Climate Change, expressed support for what Councilor Cabanlas disclosed during the aforementioned session last Monday.

This is related to 37 infrastructure projects that were reported not completed on time, according to the repeated audit report from the COA.

As a new lawmaker, Esparcia is happy that the issue was discussed because he also wants to understand the correct process.

According to Esparcia, the report showed that there were projects that did not match the photos or did not correspond to the actual work done, something he found confusing.

However, Esparcia explained that no particular individual is to blame for this, but he appreciated that the matter was filed in the council with the hope that it will be given proper attention by the relevant committees.