Iloilo government center eyed for Hall of Justice

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Government is considering Building No. 3 of its planned Smart Green Government Center in Santa Barbara as a possible site for the Hall of Justice, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said Aug. 12.

“They don’t know this yet, but as the project develops, we want the Judiciary to be there. Hopefully, we want the Register of Deeds and other agencies under the Department of Justice to be there also,” he said.

The proposal was presented to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority during the governor’s recent visit to Manila.

Defensor said the Hall of Justice could be developed through private-sector participation or a public-private partnership.

The Smart Green Government Center is planned on a 6.3-hectare provincial property in Barangays Bolong Oeste and Inangayan in Santa Barbara.

The project consists of four building footprints intended to consolidate government services and other public facilities in one complex.

Building No. 1 is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, with PHP 100 million allocated for the building and access road.

The province will undertake the expansion of Building No. 1 and additional site development through the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units, with a total allocation of PHP 250 million.

The amount includes PHP 100 million for the expansion of Building No. 1, PHP 115 million for the access road, and PHP 35 million for a bridge.

Building No. 2 is planned as a multilevel parking facility with an estimated cost of PHP 200 million.

“Since it’s a government center, we want it to be complete,” Defensor said.

Defensor acknowledged, however, that the entire government center may not be completed during his tenure because he is serving his final term and the next local elections are scheduled for 2028.

The master plan also includes a convention and events facility, eco-park, training center, sports and recreation facilities, an integrated emergency response station, and a commercial area.