Mayor smells something fishy in ‘missing’ P700 million

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Mayor Roberto “Nonong” Palomar of Tapaz, Capiz is not convinced with the answer of Capiz 2nd District Rep. Fredenil Castro and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Capiz 2nd Engineering District Engineer Dene Baldonado on the alleged missing P700 million intended for road concreting projects and farm-to-market roads in some upland barangays of Tapaz.

Palomar claimed that there are irregularities in the missing funds that were supposed to be allocated to their town.

He said he learned that the money was used on the construction of the municipal building and public market of Dumalag town.

Palomar questioned DPWH’s role in the Dumalag projects considering these are not the function of the agency.

He stressed that when he constructed the public market and rehabilitated their municipal building, the municipal government of Tapaz applied for a loan with a bank using the town’s 20% development fund as collateral.

Castro said in a national televised program that he facilitated the appropriation of the P700-million budget via the DPWH national office.

He said it’s a big question that P700 million was included in the national expenditure program, but it was not implemented.

The mayor added that he sought the help of the national government to rehabilitate the roads in some upland barangays that can only be reached after two to three days of walking.

Palomar also clarified the issue that some politicians are behind his allegations.

“I could stand on my own feet and no need for other politicians’ help,” he said.