For Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa, contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undertaking flood control projects in the Municipality of Panay are also delinquent taxpayers.
Of the five contractors currently operating in Panay, Besa disclosed that two have yet to settle
their tax dues with the local government unit (LGU).
“I asked the contractors with projects here [in Panay] to pay their taxes as it is needed by the Panay LGU for its operations,” Besa appealed.
Aside from delayed projects, this was another major concern Besa pointed out during a recent dialogue with DPWH 1st District Engineer Cecil Lawrence Cruz, contractor representatives and barangay officials.
The Besa administration’s primary goal was to review the status of flood control projects, address concerns encountered during implementation, and align the efforts of the national government, local government and stakeholders.
“These projects are vital to the safety of our people. Flood control is not only an infrastructure issue but also a matter of protecting lives, livelihoods, and properties of Pan-ayanons,” Besa emphasized.
While the punong barangays of Talasa, Cogon, Anhawon, Tico, and Agbalo expressed appreciation for the projects, they also raise issues about temporary inconveniences affecting mobility, safety, and the daily routines of residents. (With a report from Jessie Caballero)
