Flooding at the reclamation area in Bacolod City*Andrew Altarejos file photo
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya warned on Monday, August 4, that his administration will terminate the contracts of contractors who fail to complete flood control and drainage projects on time.
He also warned that these contractors could be blacklisted from future city government projects.
Gasataya, at a press conference at his office at the Bacolod City Government Center, said he has instructed the City Legal Office to investigate two drainage projects for contract termination due to delays.
These projects are located in Purok Nangka, Barangay 3, and beside the Pope John Paul II Tower at the reclamation area, he said.
Both projects are being undertaken by one firm, Gasataya said.
The mayor’s office is also reviewing the status of other ongoing projects, including those that have started but are unfinished, and those for which mobilization funds have been released but work has not yet begun.
Gasataya emphasized the need to expedite flood control and drainage projects being handled by both the City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bacolod.
The mayor has issued an executive order creating the Bacolod City Contract Termination Review Committee.
This committee is responsible for reviewing and terminating procurement contracts for goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services that do not comply with regulations. The goal of the committee is to promote accountability, efficiency, and transparency in public spending.
The committee is chaired by City Legal Officer Karol Joseph P. Chiu, with Bids and Awards Committee head Hermilo B. Pa-oyon as vice-chairperson.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also said on Monday that private contractor companies found to be involved in anomalous flood control projects will face government sanctions.
These companies will be blacklisted and potentially face charges, Marcos said in his “BBM Podcast Episode 3: Sa Likod ng SONA”.
“We already have some names that are coming up…The companies will be required to explain how they used the funds for the projects,” he said.*
I