ILIGAN City Mayor Frederick Siao today, February 19, described the Pala-o Market project as structurally defective, citing findings from the City Engineer’s Office.
Siao made the statement when pressed for comment on the recent civil and administrative case filed against him by Rep. Celso Regencia regarding alleged irregularities in the market’s completion contract. The case was lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao City.
According to Siao, the City Engineer’s Office found the market’s structural integrity to be below standard.
“There’s a finding that the structural capability of the market is below standard, meaning it has structural defects. That adds to my concerns,” Siao said.
He explained that the city decided to halt the project after its contractor repeatedly requested extensions without completing the work.
“Di nila gustong trabahuon ang mga reklamo sa atoang City Engineer’s Office,” Siao added.
The contractors, however, dispute the city’s assessment, claiming the market is 99% complete.
The City Engineer’s Office, in contrast, asserts the project is only 72% finished, while a Commission on Audit (COA) report puts the completion rate at 69%.
Siao dismissed the case as a political move against him.
“I should say this is a political harassment kanako. Ingon sa kadaghanan diversionary tactics niya (Regencia) to divert attention sa katawhan sa Iligan sa iyang pag pirma sa impeachment ni Vice President Sara,” he said.
The City Engineer’s Office has recommended retrofitting the market to address structural defects, emphasizing that its beams may not withstand an earthquake.
“Ibutang inyong lugar sa akong posisyon. Karon, ako ba nang i-risk pag open karon nga simbako naay gamayng tay-og, mahugno nana,” Siao said.
As of press time, Siao’s camp has not received an official complaint from the Ombudsman. He urged Iligan residents to choose leaders committed to genuine public service.
