BAGUIO CITY – The on-going works in front of the city hall that includes the relocation of the flagpole and the fencing of the perimeter of the structure were done above board and pursuant to existing rules and regulations contrary to flimpsy insinuations that the projects are being done to enrich some city officials.
Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said the put up of a stage fronting the city hall and the fecning of its premises was a project of the previous administration which is now being continued by the present administration considering serious delays in the bidding process enshrined under the Government Procurement Act or Republic Act (RA) 9184.
He said the put up of a stage and the relocation of the flagpole is part of the initiative to improve the city hall frontage so that it will be able to host the conduct of numerous programs and for it to be audience-friendly.
For the put up of the fence within the perimeter of city hall, the local chief executive pointed out it is meant to secure the city hall, particularly the parked vehicles from vandals and robbers considering that a number of the vehicles of city hall officials and employees and even clients were victimized by car thieves and they were able to escape because of the availability of open spaces where they could retreat.
“It has not been our character to demand from contractors. I challenge everyone spreading text messages that the reason why the project is being pursued is because of a hefty commission to make sure they have pieces of evidence because I will ran after them by filing the necessary libel cases,” Domogan stressed.
He revealed the previous administration earmarked P15 million for the whole city hall fencing and frontage repair project but the winning bidder was able to bid the project for only P11 million which is currently being implemented.
According to him, the projects were issued appropriation and building permits by the city government prior to the start of implementation and the public could view the perspective which will be displayed within the vicinity of city hall for them to appreciate the same.
Despite the fencing of the perimeter of city hall, Domogan assured the public that the government facility will still be open to the public similar to what is currently happening that is why it is not true that the fencing will deprive the public easy access in seeking the services of government.
“Our offices had always been open to the people and we will continue to practice our openness to our constituents and visitors. We never intend to deprive anyone of access to city hall but it is for safety and security reasons that the project is being pursued,” he added.
The city mayor asserted once the fencing of the perimeter of city hall will be completed, the local government could open its parking area to be an added parking venue for visitors during the weekend because vehicle owners will be assured of safety and security from unscrupulous individuals.
He appealed to local residents not to believe on rumors being circulated by irresponsible individuals that city officials were able to earn from the project because such text messages are just part of too much politicking by some camps. By Dexter A. See
