Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano has advised Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego to halt the mega projects funded by the city’s P1.1 billion loan from the Landbank of the Philippines, citing clear violations in the implementation of these projects.
Paduano made the statement following the third hearing by the Committee on Public Accounts, which addressed alleged irregularities related to the projects. These include the construction of the New Silay City Government Center, with an allocated budget of P500 million, the rehabilitation of the city's public market, and the construction of Silay City College.
The committee also issued a show-cause order against Gallego for failing to attend the previous two hearings.
Paduano rejected Gallego’s excuse for missing the hearings, in which the mayor cited the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon and the province's state of calamity as reasons he could not leave Silay City. The state of calamity was adopted by the Silay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which Gallego chairs.
Based on his own experience, Paduano said Gallego could have attended the congressional hearing by flying in and out on the same day, as the hearing lasted only half a day.
"If Gallego continues to evade answering questions, he will be issued a subpoena," Paduano stated, emphasizing that, as mayor, Gallego must respond to all inquiries regarding the projects, which require his approval and signature to proceed.
Paduano also urged Gallego to stop the ongoing projects until after the May 12 elections. He pointed out that despite lacking clearance from the National Historical Commission, the city proceeded with the demolition of the public market, which is considered a heritage site due to its age of over 50 years. While the city requested clearance from the National Historical Commission on August 8, 2024, the demolition began in March, which Paduano called "putting the cart ahead of the horse."
“It is better not to proceed with the projects until the investigation is complete. If I were Mayor Joedith, I would wait until after the elections. As a sign of goodwill, he should commit to the committee that he will not proceed with the projects until the election results are out,” Paduano stressed.
Regarding the potential disbarment of Silay City Legal Officer Atty. Janus Jarder, Paduano said the committee would make a recommendation depending on the investigation's outcome. The legal department has been directed to seek a legal opinion from the House of Representatives’ legal team. Paduano noted that, personally, he believes Jarder may have violated ethical conduct under oath as an officer of the court, which could be grounds for disbarment.
"Jarder has disrespected the committee," Paduano added.
Jarder, who also serves as chair of the city's Bids and Awards Committee, did not attend Monday’s hearing and failed to appear in Congress after being cited for contempt during the December 18, 2024, congressional inquiry. He was issued a show-cause order by Gallego to explain his failure to appear. According to NIR Department of Interior and Local Government OIC Regional Director Lailyn Ortiz, Jarder could face charges of insubordination and may be declared absent without leave (AWOL) for his actions.
Paduano stated that another hearing would be held before a committee report is finalized.
He also clarified that his actions are simply in response to complaints received by his committee. (TDE)
