Mayor Joedith Gallego called the accusations hurled by Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist) against big ticket projects in Silay City “political harassment”.
There is no evidence and basis for his allegations, Gallego said on Wednesday, Sept 11.
Paduano delivered a privilege speech on alleged procurement anomalies and the irregular enactment of local measures in Silay City before the House of Representatives on Monday, Sept. 9.
The Silay City government, through the initiative of Gallego, entered into a loan agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund his administration’s mega-infrastructure projects in the aggregate amount of P1.4 billion, Paduano said
This would finance the repair and rehabilitation of the Silay City Public Market – P300 million, and the construction of a City College – P300 million, City Activity Center or City Coliseum – P300 million and new city hall or city government center – P500 million, he said.
Paduano questioned the implementation of the market project and the bidding process for the government center, which he said would be subjected to a House committee inquiry.
“All the projects we implemented in Silay followed the legal process”, Gallego said, adding he is prepared to face any inquiry.
These are all political harassment with the filling of certificates of candidacy nearing, Gallego claimed.*