Magalong shares “shocking” data on Cebu infrastructure projects

CEBU, Philippines — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong did not only turn over donations for earthquake victims during his visit to the Capitol yesterday but also shared with Governor Pamela Baricuatro “shocking data” on alleged fund insertions in infrastructure projects across Cebu.

Magalong paid Baricuatro a courtesy visit on Wednesday, October 15, where he turned over financial assistance for the province’s ongoing earthquake recovery efforts.

In a media briefing, Baricuatro said Magalong showed her information indicating billions of pesos in questionable allocations under flood-control and other public works projects.

“Naa siyay gipakita nako nga mga data, shocking… time will come that it will really build,” Baricuatro said, referring to the documents Magalong presented during their meeting.

The governor clarified that the province is still requesting official documents from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through Secretary Vince Dizon before releasing full details to the public.

“We will investigate this. Dili na ni sila pwede makalusot sa ilang pagtamas-tamas sa atong funds,” she said.

“They have to pay the price for stealing the people's money,” she added.

Baricuatro said the Capitol will initiate its own inquiry once all pertinent documents are secured.

Meanwhile, Magalong personally turned over ?125,000 to the Cebu Provincial Government, representing the collective contribution of local chief executives under the Mayors for Good Governance initiative.

In addition, the Baguio City Government extended ?500,000 each to the northern Cebu localities of Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan—areas that sustained heavy damage from the September 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

“Though it may be small, it is very meaningful—it comes from the heart for the people of Cebu,” Magalong told reporters.

During their meeting, Baricuatro and Magalong also discussed plans to establish a Governors for Good Governance coalition, patterned after the mayoral alliance.

“Governor Pam has always been one of the strongest advocates for good governance,” Magalong said.

According to Baricuatro, Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio José “Bong” Lacson have already expressed support for the initiative.

She said Magalong has offered to help and mentor the creation of the new coalition, even proposing that the Baguio Country Club host its first formal gathering.

“He will help us, support us, and guide us sa among pagsugod aning Governors for Good Governance,” the governor said.

Magalong, known for his strong anti-corruption stance, said the movement for clean governance continues to grow, especially amid efforts to uncover irregularities in infrastructure spending nationwide.

He added that while he has stepped down as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), he remains committed to supporting its mission to investigate and prosecute anomalies in flood-control projects.

“Talagang napakahirap nito… hindi basta-basta ang ginagawa ng ICI,” Magalong said.

The ICI, a three-member ad hoc fact-finding body, has been tasked to investigate flood-control and infrastructure projects implemented from 2015 onward.

“But I know the members of the commission—they’re very credible and committed to seek out the truth,” the mayor added. –/FPL (FREEMAN)