BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Truth Commission set up by Mayor-elect Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has red flagged more than P1.5 billion in transactions made in the administration of outgoing Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
In a press conference yesterday afternoon, Atty. Bong Dilag, spokesperson for Benitez, said upon the mayor-elect’s assumption of office he will immediately issue an Executive Order creating a committee that will help ensure a clean transparent government, adopting the best practices of local government units.
So far based on available reports released by the Commission on Audit, the Truth Commission would seek a more detailed examination of the outgoing administration’s transactions.
Among these were cash grants and advances; landfill facilities and sanitation services; local disaster risk reduction and management fund; supplies inventory accounts; emergency funds; and unimplemented projects.
In a separate statement issued by Benitez himself, during this transition period they shall take the opportunity to assess their starting point.
He said the findings of the committee shall serve as their guide to ensure a transparent, responsive, and efficient government.
“To achieve our goal of good governance, it may be a necessary consequence to hold accountable those who may have violated our laws,” Benitez said.
He further added the goal of their process is to serve as a warning to all those serving under his administration to strictly adhere to existing laws and proper procedures./PN
