Over 4,000 bags of cement were stocked reportedly for years in a warehouse of the City Engineer's Office, based on an inspection done by the Local Government Unit of Bacolod City.

In a visit done by GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas in a warehouse in Barangay Taculing, it was confirmed that the bags of cement have hardened over time. 

An initial report of the City Engineer's Office (CEO) to the Bacolod City LGU rendered that over 4,000 sacks of unused cement are in the warehouse.

“Sayang ang property, resources. Supposedly, magagamit pa for other programs or projects of the city,” said Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya.

According to Engr. Loben Ceballos, officer in charge of Bacolod CEO, the sacks of cement that hardened over time are from an old warehouse.

“I think sa kanilang report, years na kasi galing pa yung iba sa pag-construct ng Bacolod City College at ibinalik doon. Ang mga recent na-damage rin. There was already a report, na-monitor na namin yan,” Ceballos said.

Gasataya has ordered an investigation on why the bags of cement were not used instead for other projects.

Following confirmation of the report, a show cause order will be issued to four CEO personnel.

“Our position, we will follow where the evidence will lead us. Kung ano ang kahihinatnan nito, our decision will be evidence-based,” Gasataya pointed out.

According to the team leader of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) that looks after the warehouse, the stocks of cement have long been kept in the warehouse.

“Matagal na yan dyan, mga ilang years na. Hindi lang matukoy kung ilang years na talaga,” Alfredo Castillo Jr., POSO team leader, said.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas sought a comment from the former mayor of Bacolod City, incumbent Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo (Albee) Benitez, on the issue. The news team is still awaiting a reply from Benitez, as of posting time.