Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced on Friday, Nov. 13, that he has asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a comprehensive audit of all projects and programs implemented in the city with a Development Bank of the Philippines loan obtained during his term as city mayor.
Speaking at a press conference, Benitez said recent calls for an audit of his administration’s initiatives are “much welcome” as there is nothing to hide.
Benitez noted that he has already written to COA to review all Bacolod City programs and projects funded by both local revenues and a Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) loan.
Benitez said the COA has responded by writing to the city government to request specific compliance documents for the audit. Conducting annual audits is part of the commission’s constitutional mandate, he pointed out.
Benitez maintained that all projects undertaken during his mayoralty were fully disclosed to the public. “The people were not kept in the dark, nothing wrong was committed,” he said.
To further bolster public trust, Benitez said he is proposing that the Sangguniang Panlungsod create an online transparency portal. The platform would list all city projects, relevant details, and current implementation statuses for public access.
He added that the city government is set to begin inaugurating several completed projects next week, including the City Health Complex.
Benitez said DBP loan fund were also strategically geared towards pump priming the local economy, noting that Bacolod is currently the fastest-growing city in the Visayas and the third fastest in the Philippines.
He cited the city’s 6.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for 2024–2025 as proof that the administration’s policies are working.
Benitez said the economic growth has generated higher revenues for public services and strengthened investor confidence, ensuring Bacolod’s sustained development through proper infrastructure and services.
Despite what appears to be politically motivated moves by his critics, Benitez said he will not be deviated from his goal to bring Bacolod to new heights.
Councilors Al Espino and Caesar Distrito said the results of the SP comprehensive review proves that there is no fraud in the projects, and that it appears that moves to discredit such are politically motivated.
Benitez and members of the city council inspected ongoing work at the Bacolod legislative building where some offices have been completed.*
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