BACOLOD City is now in the midst of a bizarre controversy. It involves two projects worth a combined P300 million funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – specifically, the P220-million fountain rehabilitation at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds and the P80-million redevelopment of the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Both projects were started before then-mayor (and now-congressman) Albee Benitez stepped down in 2025. The timeline for completion: July or August this year, 2026.
Alas, the end of September arrived, yet nothing was heard from the Manila-based contractors.
This prompted Mayor Greg Gasataya to unveil the truth by having the fences surrounding the BCGC fountain and the public plaza removed.
What came next? He was disappointed!
DISHEARTENED
Gasataya said he would not sign any acceptance documents until both projects are fully completed.
Still, when it comes to the BCGC fountain rehabilitation, he is keeping the peace. But on the public plaza redevelopment, Gasataya penned an emotional letter on September 30 to TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid, containing this telling line: “I was disheartened.”
He then enumerated some of the defects he personally observed at the plaza. These included drainage failures, surface ponding, unsecured fountain nozzles, the absence of float valves, non-functional lighting, unfinished installations, protruding and deteriorated manholes, and an undemonstrated control sequence.
The mayor therefore requested Lapid’s prompt intervention to compel the contractors to undertake the necessary corrective measures. Gasataya simply told Lapid that it is imperative that any redevelopment within the public plaza be given the utmost consideration, ensuring that the final output meets the highest standards of safety, functionality and aesthetic excellence that Bacolodnons deserve.
A SCAB JOB
Amid the controversy, Albee rushed to the plaza on Thursday afternoon, October 1. After assessing the situation, his initial reaction was: “Indi amo ni ang aton gin-istoryahan. La-in ang gin-propose. La-in ang outcome.”
Albee was referring to the plaza designs that had supposedly been agreed upon with TIEZA. So, he demanded accountability. From whom? TIEZA? The Manila-based contractors?
Where are the blueprints for both TIEZA projects?
And are the controversial white spheres scattered around the plaza really part of the approved concept and design? Those white balls have become irresistible targets for netizens. They have been likened to dinosaur eggs, mothballs (naptalina) against cockroaches, sago sa gulaman, bitog-bitog sa linugaw nga may gata, ginpanitan nga rambutan, and perlas sa nabugto nga kulintas, among others.
ILLEGAL REDEVELOPMENT?
Enter former Councilor Ann Marie Palermo. On Facebook, she asked: “Did the National Historical Commission grant prior written permission for any renovations, changes, or demolition at the Bacolod Public Plaza?”
Palermo specifically cited City Ordinance No. 08-15-731, which declared the Bacolod Public Plaza a National Historical Landmark. Section 3 of the ordinance states: “No structure or changes to the existing structures within the protected area may be made without the express approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).”
The ordinance was authored by former Councilor Jose Carlos “Carl” Lopez and Palermo, and approved by Gasataya, who was serving as acting mayor at the time.
So, where is the NHCP clearance?
If there is none, Palermo’s question becomes even more serious: Was the redevelopment undertaken without the required approval?
The design of the plaza was apparently altered by the installation of a dancing fountain right in front of the bandstand.
The Bacolod Public Plaza turns 100 years old next year.
Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act, also provides legal safeguards for structures that qualify as important cultural properties and other protected heritage resources. That makes the question of NHCP approval all the more important.
Was the necessary NHCP approval secured before installing a dancing fountain on the plaza floor in front of the bandstand?
Are we seeing another heritage controversy?
Rewind. Several city officials are facing complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over the demolition of Bacolod’s old city hall at the corner of Araneta and Luzuriaga streets. Former city executive assistant Ernesto Pineda filed the complaints.
Pineda’s allegations included graft, procurement violations, technical malversation, and the unauthorized demolition of the old city hall and the Fountain of Justice without NHCP clearance.
Pineda claimed that both the old city hall site and the Fountain of Justice were already considered important cultural properties.
His complaints remain pending before the Ombudsman.
DESECRATION?
It seems the plaza brouhaha is pregnant with even more controversy. Some netizens say the TIEZA project is not a redevelopment at all, but a desecration of the Bacolod Public Plaza. Installing a dancing fountain on the plaza floor is one issue. Turning portions of the plaza into something resembling Jurassic Park, with white spheres scattered around like dinosaur eggs, is another.
Mayor Greg has made his position clear. He has expressed displeasure over the outcome of the TIEZA projects. As mayor, he has every reason to raise questions and demand corrections. And many Bacolodnons appear to share his frustration.
Much of the public ridicule has zeroed in on those scattered white spheres. Netizens have dismissed them as irrelevant and mockingly christened them Bacolod’s “wrecking balls.”
Now comes the P300-million question: Who will ultimately be wrecked by these “wrecking balls”?
The heat is on. So, abangan!/PN
