BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The officer-in-charge of DPWH – Iloilo City District Engineering Office has released an open letter breaking his silence on the recent squabble with Mayor Jerry Treñas.
In a three-page letter dated June 13, Engr. Roy Pacanan narrated the reasons for the delay of his office in vacating the city-owned lot at Fort San Pedro.
He also provided insights on the move of the City Council and the mayor in declaring him persona non grata.
“We sincerely apologize for any misunderstandings that may have caused the decision to declare me as persona non grata. While I fully understand the gravity of the said declaration, I have maintained my deep respect for the Local Government Unit of Iloilo City, most especially to you as City Mayor,” read Pacanan’s open letter to Treñas.
The City Council has declared Roy Pacanan, officer-in-charge of DPWH – Iloilo City District Engineering Office, persona non grata.
The city councilors voted for such a declaration during their session on June 10, which aligned with the stance of Mayor Jerry Treñas
Such a decision stems from what Treñas perceived as disrespect and ingratitude from Pacanan and the DPWH city district office.
The conflict escalated when the DPWH city district office vacated a city-owned property at Fort San Pedro without acknowledging their long-term use of the city-owned land and the delays of their projects, which Treñas described as “white elephants” or costly to maintain, but little to no useful return.
The council approved the resolution declaring Pacanan persona non grata “for his role in the extreme delay in vacating the DPWH Iloilo City District Engineering Office and in the construction of important infrastructure projects in the city, as well as other actions detrimental to the general welfare of the Ilonggo people.”
In his letter, Pacanan clarified that he assumed office only on Aug. 8, 2023. He noted that the communications regarding the transfer of office location may have commenced before his assumption.
“As the OIC DE of DPWH ICDEO, I have taken full responsibility in addressing the transfer of our office to a suitable location without compromising the efficiency of our mandate and our duties serving the public,” said Pacanan.
He stressed that they exerted efforts to find a temporary office pending the completion of their new office building in Brgy. Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo City.
“We are aware of the urgency of vacating our office in Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City, yet, determining the ideal location, taking into consideration the peculiar needs of our office, was physically and technically challenging,” said Pacanan.
Upon receipt of the final demand to vacate their old office at Fort San Pedro, he said they cleared the office on June 6, 2024, and turned over the same on the next day to the city government.
However, the DPWH city district requested the city government to retain its IT room containing its data cabinet linked to the DPWH Central Office for prompt compliance and submission of vital reports and documents.
“On behalf of the DPWH ICDEO, we convey our heartfelt gratitude for the donation of a parcel of land for the construction of our permanent office. We commit to expedite its implementation provided sufficient funds are available,” said Pacanan.
“I assure you that any of my actions, which may have been perceived as inappropriate, were unintentional. I respectfully request the opportunity to discuss this matter with you to provide the necessary clarifications,” he added./PN
