IN HIS desire to restore the public's trust and confidence in the local government, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez formed the Good Governance Committee 2022.
Benitez said this measure is geared towards a clean and transparent government that adopts the best practices of government units.
He said that in such pursuit of good governance and in search for the truth, for which there was great public clamor, there is a need to review previous transactions of the city.
Benitez added that he wants that only obligations that complied with applicable laws, rules and regulations will be honored by the current administration
The mayor stressed that there is a need to look into the weaknesses in the government processes, especially those involving use of public funds, should be identified and corrected to prevent grand malevolent schemes of government officials.
In addition, Benitez emphasized that he wants to ensure that responsible government officials will be held accountable for the graft and corrupt practices that may have caused great disadvantage and irreparable damage to the city and its residents.
“The creation of a dedicated ad ho committee has become imperative under the circumstances,” he stressed.
The Good Governance Committee shall review processes and identify acts that will conform to good governance practices, actively investigate reports and ferret out the truth on the allegations of graft and corruption committed in the City Government, particularly by public officers, employees, their co-principals, accomplices and accessories from the private sector.
It will also recommend to the mayor the appropriate action or measure necessary to ensure that the full measure of justice shall be served without fear or favor.
On top of that, the committee shall exercise acts incidental, appropriate, and necessary to the objectives
The new committee shall be headed by City Legal Officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting, Jr. as chairman, with City Administrator Atty. Pacifico Maghari III and City Internal Auditor Jose Ray Agpangan as members.
The City Legal Office (CLO) will serve as the Secretariat of the Committee tasked to oversee the dispensation of roles, functions, and objectives, including but not limited to consulting with experts and engaging their services on a per transaction basis, as may be proper.
The Secretariat likewise will perform other functions as may be directed by the Committee.
The budgetary requirements for the conduct of activities and delivery of recommendation to the mayor shall be sourced from the CLO to ensure that the committee can exercise its powers, execute its functions, and perform its duties and responsibilities as effectively, efficiently, and expeditiously as possible.