A report from the Commission on Audit (COA) has revealed that former Mayor Oscar Moreno left behind 126 unfinished projects worth P1.1 billion, raising concerns about the city’s financial management.

The findings corroborate earlier claims by City Council majority floor leader Councilor Edgar Cabanlas regarding the numerous incomplete projects under Moreno’s administration.

Among the unfinished projects cited in the report are the City Library, where phase 2 was completed before phase 1, and the Tablon Hospital, which lacked planned road access.

Since taking office on June 30, 2022, Uy has paid more than P800 million to settle outstanding debts.

However, these payments have affected the city’s ability to fund new projects, as financial resources are being used to address obligations left by the previous administration.

The COA also highlighted significant delays in payments to contractors and suppliers, with some debts dating back to 2016.

The city’s total debt burden has reached over P3.7 billion — 57% of Cagayan de Oro’s 2022 budget of P6.5 billion.

According to the Local Financial Committee, some of these debts originated as far back as 2016. The breakdown of payments made under Uy’s administration is as follows:

Outstanding Debts:
2016-2022: Paid in 2022 – P143.6 million
2018-2022: Paid in 2023 – P552.9 million
2016-2022: Paid in 2024 – P65.2 million
Total Paid: P761.8 million
Infrastructure Payments:
2017-2021: Paid in 2022 – P225.3 million
Other Payments in 2022 – P366.8 million
Final Payments – P232.3 million
Total Infrastructure Payments: P824.4 million

Despite these financial challenges, Uy has committed to completing the remaining unfinished projects. However, the city's budget constraints have led to the postponement of several planned initiatives.

Upon Moreno’s departure, the city had only P103 million in available funds, a stark contrast to the P1 billion available at the start of his term.

During Wednesday’s People’s Day, Uy reaffirmed his dedication to finishing the remaining projects and ensuring financial stability for the city’s future, especially with the 2025 elections approaching.