• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The transfer of tenants and vendors of the Silay City public market will push through on January 16, Mayor Joedith Gallego declared, amidst questions raised by some participants of the public hearing and consultation held on Monday.
Gallego said their transfer to the temporary market site will pave the way for the start of the renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of two Silay City public market buildings, stressing that the city is lagging behind in development, compared to other local government units.
Last year, the House committee on Public Accounts held a congressional inquiry into alleged irregularities in the P1.1 billion loan secured by the Silay City government, including the P300 million earmarked for rehabilitation and renovation of the Silay City public market, P300 million for the Silay City College, and P500 million for its New Government Center.
The Land Bank of the Philippines even temporarily suspended the release of some funds to the mega projects.
Complaints were also filed against several Silay City officials before the Ombudsman, in connection with the implementation of the three projects.
Gallego has issued an appeal of understanding to the affected tenants and vendors, stressing the modernization of Silay City public market will also benefit them.
City Engineer Roy Pahilanga said the rehabilitation, renovation, and construction of the 3rd floor at Silay City Market building A, is targeted for completion within a two year period.
Atty. Alex Beloria, a legal consultant of the Silay City government who also joined the public hearing, assured the tenants and vendors of having spaces to occupy when the public market rehabilitation and repair is completed.
Beloria also announced that market tenants and vendors who will be transferred to the temporary market will no longer have to pay business permits this year. But they are mandated to pay their 2025 business permit, he added.
Gallego even extended to March 31 the payment of the 2025 business permit.
In order to attract more crowds at the temporary market in Barangay V, Silay City, the Silay City government is eyeing to hold weekly events.
A police outpost will also be established in the area, according to Atty. Joevel Yu, who is the acting City Legal Officer of Silay.*
