City Government celebrates dismissal of cases
The Bacolod City Government, led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, held a Thanksgiving Mass and a party at the grounds of the New Government Center over the weekend to celebrate the dismissal of 12 criminal and administrative charges, as well as a prayer for preventive suspension, filed against Leonardia and other city officials before the Office of the Ombudsman for the construction of the New Government Center.
The short brownout and drizzle did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of employees and supporters who trooped to the NGC to join in the celebration. After the thanksgiving mass held at 5 p.m., Leonardia went to the stage to express his gratitude to the city officials and the people who never wavered in their support to the city government’s decision to pursue the construction of the New Government Center.
Leonardia said that he is thankful for all the blessings that the city government has received throughout the years and for all the support extended to him by the people who joined in all the activities of the Grupo Progreso.
The mayor said that he is thankful, in particular, for the dismissal of charges filed against him and the city officials before the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the construction of the New Government Center.
He made special mention of Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson and the city officials who were instrumental in realizing the dream of every city officials since the 1960s, the construction of a new city hall for the people of Bacolod.
Leonardia stressed that he and the city officials got threats and intimidations because of their decision to pursue the New Government Center project, there were people who did not believe in them, but these did not waver their conviction and in spite of so many obstacles the New Government Center now stands as one of the new attractions in Bacolod.
The mayor is also thankful that he is joined by city officials who were just as determined to construct a New Government Center and reiterated his gratitude to the Gonzaga family who donated the lot where the edifice stands.
He said that the construction of the New Government Center spurred rapid economic growth in the surrounding and nearby areas and promoted growth of businesses that provided more employment to the people.
Leonardia read to the public portions of the Ombudsman decision where it was mentioned that there was nothing anomalous in the construction of the NGC. He also noted the observations made by the Ombudsman were all charges filed relative to NGC construction were filed by the same complainant and wondered what the complainant’s motive could be in filing those cases.
