A VIRAL social media post questioning the P1.153-million cost of a comfort room project at the public beach in Barangay Tajao, Pinamungajan, has stirred discussion among residents and netizens.
The post, which gained traction earlier this week, questioned whether the ongoing construction of the facility justified its multimillion-peso price tag.
The controversy prompted both Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro to issue statements addressing the issue and assuring the public of transparency in government spending.
Governor Baricuatro, in an interview on Thursday, October 16, called on local officials to strengthen transparency in infrastructure projects and ensure that the public can access full details of how government funds are used.
“So, if ni talk siya about transparency, dapat iguwa niya ang itemized cost sa items, unya ang bidding process i-public gyud na niya,” Governor Baricuatro said.
“The people deserve to know, the taxpayers deserve to know,” she added.
Her remarks came after an earlier clarification from the Pinamungajan, who detailed the project’s background, funding source, and cost breakdown.
The governor acknowledged that she and the mayor are relatives but noted that they belong to different political affiliations.
In his October 14 statement, Mayor Baricuatro said the construction of the comfort room, amounting to P1,153,000, is funded through the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Incentive Fund awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The fund was granted to Pinamungajan in recognition of its integrity, transparency, and excellence in public service.
The mayor emphasized that the project is still ongoing and has not yet been paid for.
Payment, he said, will only be made after completion, inspection, and formal acceptance in accordance with government procedures.
He also clarified that the total project cost covers more than just construction materials, as it includes labor expenses, Value-Added Tax (VAT), and Overhead, Contingencies, and Miscellaneous (OCM) costs—standard inclusions in public infrastructure projects.
The pricing, he said, was based on legitimate and standardized costing, which underwent multiple layers of review, from technical evaluation to budget scrutiny.
“The amount reflects not merely the raw cost of materials, but also the necessary labor expenses and the indirect yet essential components mandated in public infrastructure projects,” Mayor Baricuatro added.
The mayor further explained that the project underwent proper legal and administrative processes and was approved by the DILG, which also issued a Notice to Implement.
He said the directive serves as proof that the construction complies with legal standards and is being closely monitored by other government agencies.
The mayor described it as an irony that a project made possible by good governance is now being questioned, noting that the funds used are rewards earned through the municipality’s transparency and efficiency.
He said premature criticism overlooks the collective efforts of the municipal government to uphold honesty and accountability in local administration.
He also urged the public to verify information before sharing or commenting online and assured residents that all related documents are open for public viewing at the Municipal Hall.
The mayor emphasized that constructive dialogue, not misinformation, is key to strengthening democratic governance.
The Municipality of Pinamungajan reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public funds, while the Cebu Provincial Government continues to call for openness in all local infrastructure initiatives.
