BCDA commits P30 M for Olongapo flood control

OLONGAPO CITY – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has committed P30 million to the city’s flood-control program despite an existing memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Roctagon Corp. that guarantees accomplishment of the same project at no cost to the government.

Resolution No. 34-05 of the sangguniang panlungsod, which authorizes Mayor James Gordon Jr. to enter into a contract with the BCDA, states that the city government obtained the P30 million through the mayor’s efforts, and that the BCDA has already certified the availability of funds.

A source at the City Hall confirmed that a relative of the mayor in the BCDA board of directors was also instrumental in securing the funds.

When asked to make a comment, Vice Mayor Rolen Paulino said everybody seems to know about the MoA except the BCDA, “Signed by DPWH Regional Director Ramon Aquino and approved by Secretary florante Soriquez, it contains Roctagon’s detailed proposal to dredge not only Kalaklan River but also the canals emptying into the Subic Bay for free,” he said.

Roctagon Corp., it was learned, is one of the sub-contractors for the container port at the Leyte pier in Subic. (RM)