ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Council was split during discussions on whether to lift the persona non grata status of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office officer-in-charge, Engr. Roy Pacanan, so he could attend the upcoming council quad committee hearing on flood control projects.
Councilor Miguel Treñas suggested that the council could request his sister, Mayor Raisa Treñas, to temporarily lift the persona non grata declaration.
“That way, he will have no reason not to attend the quad committee hearing on Aug. 28. We need to know the truth — how many ghost projects in this city. I think about P4 billion of the people’s money was wasted,” Treñas said.
However, Majority Floor Leader Rex Marcus Sarabia opposed the lifting.
“I will not surrender to Engr. Pacanan. I vehemently object to any measure to lift the persona non grata (declaration) against him,” Sarabia asserted.
He stressed that Pacanan must respect the authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and appear at the hearing regardless of his status.
The quad committee hearing seeks to investigate alleged dysfunctional flood control projects implemented by the DPWH-Iloilo City District Engineering Office.
Pacanan had earlier declined to attend, citing the council’s previous resolution declaring him persona non grata under then-Mayor Jerry Treñas due to delays in infrastructure projects and actions deemed detrimental to the welfare of Ilonggos.
Councilor Lyndon Acap also weighed in, stressing that it is part of Pacanan’s official responsibility to answer issues related to his duties.
“It is within his job description to explain these matters. He must attend the hearing,” Acap said.
The council is set to decide on the next steps as the Aug. 28 quad committee hearing approaches./PN
