Emano presses for transparency, contract review on Macanhan Mega Health Center

COUNCILOR Yevonna Yacine B. Emano on Monday urged the City Government to provide clear, consistent, and factual updates on the stalled Macanhan Mega Health Center project, stressing the need to resolve conflicting information surrounding its status. She issued the call during the 20th Regular Session of the 21st City Council in response to the special report presented by Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno.

Emano recalled that nearly ₱70 million was allotted for the project through Supplemental Budget No. 4 in November 2023, followed by a groundbreaking and the release of initial payments, including a 15% mobilization fund and a 15% progress payment. However, she noted that no further developments had been reported since November 2024.

“For a while we all thought na gitrabaho siya because this is one of the LGU’s priority projects,” Emano said. “We are not accusing anyone of anything. We just want transparency and accountability where it should be.”

She emphasized the confusion caused by differing narratives online and from various offices. “Lahi ang istorya sa contractor, lahi sa media, lahi sa City Information Office, and even comments from our Local Chief Executive differ. Ang ato lang is maplastar,” she added.

Emano also referred to circulating information that the original DOH-funded health center intended for Macanhan was reassigned to Barangay San Simon, whose health center was completed and turned over in September 2025. This, she said, underscores the need to clarify the status of the ₱69 million local budget allocated by the City Council.

She further raised concerns about reports that the same allocation might have been used for the acquisition of land for the proposed Tablon Hospital. “If the ₱69 million allotted for Macanhan was used for something else, dili ba dapat moagi sa ato for realignment? We are the keeper of the purse,” she said.

To determine the appropriate course of action, Emano urged the committee chaired by Councilor Paolo Gaane to review the project’s contract. “If the contractor claims wala sila nabayran pero nagbayad ang LGU, then we can file a case. If the LGU says giabandonar sila sa contractor, we can also file a case,” she said.

She added that the project may still proceed should a breach of contract be confirmed, given that only 30% of the budget has reportedly been utilized. “There is still 70% remaining. We can rebid this and continue the Mega Health Center in Macanhan,” she said.

Emano closed her remarks by reaffirming that the issue is rooted in public accountability. “This is nothing political, just public service,” she stressed. (JAO/SP)