MikeLigalig.com

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is finalizing a memorandum of agreement indicating the formal turnover of the unfinished Agora to the city government.

Highways and public works district engineer Celestino Adlaon told the Chronicle yesterday the DPWH regional office is already finalizing the MOA that will be presented to City Mayor Dan Lim.

Adlaon clarified he was not opposing the rehabilitation of the former Agora into a modern Tagbilaran Business Center.
          
He said the DPWH is still accountable for the unfinished structure as the implementing agency of the project.

The order to stop the demolition of the building's façade recommended by DPWH regional legal counsel Ayaon Manggis was not meant for the total stoppage of the project, Adlaon explained.

He said asking clearance from higher DPWH authorities is "just a matter of procedure."

The turnover of the unfinished building will be done immediately, the district engineer assured.

Adlaon said the DPWH is just dependent on fund releases to finish the project. The unavailability of funds took them so long to finish the Agora, he said.

It may be recalled that Mayor Lim threatened to file a complaint against the DPWH after ordering the stoppage of the rehabilitation works at the unfinished Agora building.

Despite the order, the mayor directed the contractor, J.L. Apostol Enterprises, to continue the demolition of the frontage of the Agora to provide for parking spaces and adhere to the requirement for setback from the CPG Avenue centerline.

   

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