Councilor Jose Molintas has proposed an ordinance that seeks to strengthen the city’s internal control system and guarantee transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in all city-funded projects.
Dubbed the “Build Clear Ordinance,” the proposed measure prescribes strict reporting, auditing, and monitoring mechanisms to prevent misuse of public funds and promote open governance in project implementation.
Under the proposed measure, all city-funded and city-implemented infrastructure projects, including those financed through grants or special accounts, will be covered by stronger internal control and transparency mechanisms. These include risk-based audits, segregation of duties, proper documentation, and mandatory disclosures at every stage of project implementation.
The ordinance requires all project-related documents such as bids, contracts, timelines, progress reports, payments, and completion records to be published on a dedicated Transparency Portal within five working days from issuance. The online portal will allow public access to complete project data, including maps, photos, test results, and financial details, ensuring that citizens can easily monitor ongoing and completed projects.
To enhance oversight, a Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be created chaired by the City Administrator and composed of representatives from the City Engineering Office, City Planning Development and Sustainability Office, City Accounting Office, and City Budget Office. Two civil society organizations and one licensed engineer or architect will also sit as observers to ensure citizen participation. The PMC will conduct monthly site inspections, validate progress reports, and submit public monitoring updates.
The ordinance also strengthens the role of the Internal Audit Service (IAS) under the City Accountant’s Office, giving it full access to records, personnel, and project sites. It mandates the preparation of an annual and risk-based audit plan focused on infrastructure procurement, disbursements, and progress billings. Findings must be reported quarterly to the City Mayor and the Baguio City Council’s Committee on Laws and Governance.
Strict controls on cash advances, disbursements, and progress payments are outlined, requiring complete documentation before release of funds. Variation orders and time extensions will only be allowed within prescribed limits and must be supported by valid justifications, all of which must also be posted on the Transparency Portal.
The measure provides administrative sanctions for officials or employees who fail to comply with reporting and posting requirements, with persistent non-compliance or concealment of information grounds for reassignment or disciplinary action. It also protects good-faith whistleblowers and allows anonymous reports of irregularities in procurement or project implementation.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on November 3, 2025 and was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Governmental Affairs, and Personnel for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling