BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed dissatisfaction with the work done by the contractor handling the Burnham Lake project, stressing that the city government will not accept the project nor release payment until the identified defects are properly corrected.

We are not accepting it until they fix it properly,” Magalong said, adding that the contractor had yet to receive payment for the work.

He added that TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), which is involved in the project, was likewise withholding payment and was unhappy with the outcome.

Magalong said the issue was not unique to public infrastructure projects, noting that private construction projects also encounter defects and require contractors to complete punch lists before the work can be accepted.

He emphasized that the priority was to ensure public funds were not paid out for substandard work, adding that the city was working closely with TIEZA to address the problem.

“Ang importante rito hindi binabayaran at hindi ninanakaw yung pera, ibinubulsa at may porsiyento. Hindi natin ginagawa iyan,” the mayor stressed.

He said TIEZA was also concerned about the situation because the quality of the work could affect its reputation and track record

The mayor reiterated that payment would remain on hold until the deficiencies were properly corrected. (By Gaby B. Keith)