By Marita Moaje
MANILA – Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed that he has submitted documents containing his reports detailing alleged irregularities in several public works projects in Baguio and Benguet to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In an interview during the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Project Transform Colloquium in Pasay City on Wednesday, Magalong said the documents he submitted mirrored similar anomalies nationwide.
He said the report included price lists, market surveys, photos, and project summaries involving road barriers, solar lights, asphalt overlays, rock sheds, and flood control structures.
Magalong noted that many of these projects were “substandard” and carried questionable costs.
“Nagbigay kami ng (We submitted) documents enough for the President to really understand the anomaly in the country,” he said.
Magalong said these alleged anomalies are not confined to Baguio and Benguet but all over the country.
He claimed that the corruption is well-orchestrated, systematic, and basically organized crime.
Magalong disclosed that some projects, such as a road in Benguet he described as “a road that leads to nowhere,” were implemented without consultation with local government units (LGUs).
“Parang may sariling republic ang DPWH. Kami mismo sa LGU, wala kaming alam kung ano ang ginagawa nila. Hindi rin nagbibigay ng dokumento kahit hingiin namin (It’s like the DPWH has its own republic. We, in the LGU, don’t know what they are doing. They don’t even provide documents even when we ask for them),” he lamented.
He said the President was visibly angered upon seeing the report and stressed that henceforth, no national government project should proceed without LGU coordination and approval.
Magalong added that while he has received challenges to appear before Congress regarding his disclosures, he has yet to be formally invited.
“Handa naman akong humarap under oath, pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa naman akong natatanggap na notice (I am ready to face them under oath, but I have not received any notice as of yet),” he said.
He expressed belief in the President’s commitment and determination to resolve the issue before his term ends. (PNA)
