The Commission on Audit (COA) is currently investigating the utilization of Silay City’s P1.1 billion loan.
Marivic Belocora, Audit Team Leader during the congressional investigation on Monday, agreed to submit their report by March, ahead of the original June deadline.
The COA's investigation is tied to the congressional inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the administration of Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, particularly concerning infrastructure projects funded by the P1.1 billion loan from Landbank.
Landbank has confirmed that it has suspended further fund disbursements to Silay City while the investigations are ongoing.
The projects funded by the loan include the repair and rehabilitation of the Silay City Public Market (P300 million), the construction of Silay City College (P300 million), and the development of the New Government Center (P500 million).
Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano confirmed that COA's audit report will be submitted no later than March 31 of this year.
As of now, Landbank has released over P367 million for the three projects. However, the release of additional funds is on hold pending further investigations, particularly regarding irregularities in the bidding process for the P500 million New Silay Government Center, which was also a subject of discussion during the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Paduano, who serves as the caretaker of the Third District and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, stated that another hearing may be conducted on the Silay issue, with a report expected despite the committee's session ending this week.
Paduano also mentioned that Mayor Gallego would be responsible for issuing an AWOL order against City Legal Officer Atty. Janus Jarder, who has been charged with insubordination for missing two consecutive hearings. Jarder was also cited for contempt for disrespecting Congress by providing false testimony and for failing to comply with orders to turn himself in to Congress since January 6.
During the inquiry, resource persons pointed to Jarder, who also chairs the city’s Bids and Awards Committee, as the one who instructed them to proceed with the projects despite discrepancies and non-compliance with the Terms of Reference for the Build and Design project for the New Government Center.
Paduano further stated that a subpoena would be issued for Mayor Gallego, who has been avoiding questions by missing hearings. He emphasized that the projects and loan could not have proceeded without Gallego’s approval and signatures.
In addition to the ongoing House investigation and COA probe, appropriate charges have also been filed against Gallego, Jarder, and other officials before the Office of the Ombudsman. (TDE)
