Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva has called on public officials to practice transparency in government projects and financial disclosures, while criticizing the alleged P2-million disbursements to members of Congress.
In an interview, Oliva explained how local projects should be implemented in line with the town’s medium-term local development plan.
“The 20 percent development fund should align with the plan, otherwise funds could be used based on the whims of a mayor,” Oliva said.
He stressed that residents should actively participate in consultations and planning processes to ensure projects address community needs.
The mayor warned against possible overpricing of construction materials and said transparency means more than just posting project billboards.
“People should know the finer details of the project so they can check if it is implemented well,” he said.
Oliva criticized officials who invoke data privacy when asked to be accountable, saying he is willing to reveal his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
“The public deserves to know the SALN of public officials,” he said, adding that Catigbian posts SALNs and other documents in a conspicuous place at the town hall.
He urged politicians to post their SALNs on social media, saying those with nothing to hide should not use data privacy as a “scapegoat.”
LAWMAKERS’ WINDFALL
Oliva questioned the alleged P2-million received by legislators, saying they were being given executive functions despite being part of the legislature.
He cited Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste’s characterization of the disbursement as a “Christmas bonus or gift.”
“How easy it is to use taxpayer’s money as Christmas gift,” Oliva said.
He noted that congressmen have given different explanations on how they use funds budgeted for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and called for clear guidelines.
The mayor said he personally knew the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official, from his time at the National Youth Commission.
“She was smart but was a victim of the system,” he said.
Oliva said politics plays a role in budget allocations, with lawmakers classified according to their loyalty to the administration.
He believes legislators should not be involved in projects and budget preparations, which should be based on resolutions from towns and barangays.
“The voice of the local development councils should be heard,” he said.
MONITORING PROJECTS
The mayor cited the importance of leaders visiting constituents regularly and monitoring project implementation on site.
“Contractors will not feel the pressure to hasten the project’s completion if public officials will not visit the site,” he said.
He encouraged residents to file complaints when project deadlines are not met.
Oliva also said politicians should be open to all media outlets, calling selective media coverage “tantamount to selective governance.”
FIREWORKS MISHAP
The mayor apologized for the failed fireworks display at Baang parish on December 31, 2025, which he attributed to a heavy downpour that soaked the fireworks.
The display at the parish of the Immaculate Conception went off as expected, with only some fireworks failing.
Oliva said the fireworks display on December 30, 2025 was successful, and that one incident was not enough to ruin the town’s celebrations, which lasted over a month.
He thanked Catigbian residents and barangay officials for their support in making the celebrations successful.