• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former Silay City Mayor Mark Golez on Sunday (Sept. 15) strongly debunked claims that his administration obtained a P1-billion loan to construct the new government center.
He called it “fake news”.
While there was a plan during his second term to secure a loan for the government center, Golez said what he had asked from the City Council was the authority to negotiate.
“But the authority to contract a loan, it never took place. When I stepped down, I never left a debt of P1-billion loan,” he added.
Golez then led the groundbreaking for the proposed P1-billion government center to show appreciation to the lot donors.
The administration of incumbent Mayor Joedith Gallego pursued the construction of the new government center in the donated lot with a budget of P500 million.
Golez challenged those proliferating the fake news to check or validate either with the Land Bank of the Philippines or the Development Bank of Philippines, if there was a paper trail on the so-called P1 billion loan.
Gallego is now under scrutiny for the alleged anomalies in the procurement and irregular enactment of local measures by the city government.
These are in connection with the construction of new Silay City government center as well as the repair and renovation of public market, with a budget of P300 million.
He described the allegations as “political harassment”.
Gallego said that he is open to any investigation regarding the corruption charges made against him by a lawmaker. | GB
