QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Mayor Joy Belmonte, on Monday (May 29) called the attention of national government agencies after receiving complaints regarding infrastructure projects that were not properly coordinated with the city government. 

The City Mayor emphasized that a strong liaison is needed between the local and national government in order to avoid any wastage of resources, particularly public funds. 

“Close coordination between the city government and national government agencies would avoid duplication of projects and promote efficient planning and delivery of services for QCitizens, not to mention judicious allocation of public funds,” said Belmonte. 

The mayor also said proper coordination of projects will prevent inconvenience on the part of residents, especially those who are part of the large commuting public. 

“In addition, proper alignment would avoid or minimize any hassle the projects may bring to our QCitizens, especially on traffic flows that may hamper their travel to work, school, or any destination,” she added.

Meanwhile, City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral underpinned the Ordinance No. SP-2939, S-2020, which stipulates that all government agencies, offices, and government corporations are required to coordinate with the city government regarding the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects within the vicinity of Quezon City. 

“The Ordinance mandates all national government agencies to coordinate with the QC government through a written correspondence indicating pertinent details about the project to the Office of the City Mayor,” Atty. Perral explained.

A Certificate of Coordination will then be issued to the concerned national government agencies by the Office of the Mayor prior to the granting of permits, clearances, and other documentary requirements. 

Relative to the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBP), the city government is entitled to impose administrative as well as criminal sanctions to entities who will fail to comply with the said ordinance. 

On the other hand, the local government of Quezon City also issued a stern warning to the employees of the City Hall who accept or ask for bribes from internal and external clients of the city. 

This is following the apprehension of two employees (Revenue Examiner and an Administrative Aide) of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) who were found guilty in violating the Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 after demanding P50,000 from a QCitizen client to expedite the release of the Certificate of Retirement of Business. 

“Corruption has no place in the City Government. We have a zero tolerance policy against corruption. We will not take this issue lightly and we will take appropriate measures to ensure that our public servants have integrity and are transparent because the  constituents deserve the best services from us,” said Mayor Belmonte,  (PIA-NCR)