Inmates off soon to P70M jail in Pototan

By Florence F. Hibionada

Some 700 inmates of the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC) will soon see major changes in time served behind bars.  With a reported P70 million in government funds spent for the building construction, the new IRC is purportedly all set for occupancy come November.

The confirmation came from Fifth District Board Member Niel Tupas Jr. following last week's IRC-exchange in the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) session. 

The disclosure of the scheduled transfer came amidst the concern raised by First District Board Member Macario Napulan that the new multi-million project may yet become a “white elephant.”

No such worry, Tupas Jr. retorted while saying that all is going well for the final phase of IRC construction in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo. 

In a report, Fourth District Board Member Domingo Oso Jr. made an earlier recommendation pushing for the approval of authority sought by Governor Niel Tupas to enter into a construction contract on said project.

Contained in Committee Report No. 138, Oso as chair of the Committee on Ordinances, Legal Matters and Inter-Government Relations pushed for the Tupas nod so the Iloilo Provincial Government may seal the deal with known Capitol contractor, F. Gurrea Construction.

“Final” additional construction costs totaled P35,112,495.20.