The halt in Zaldy Co’s construction operations threatens to leave some of its projects in Eastern Visayas abandoned. This signals a grave setback that demands an uncompromising stance against corruption and negligence.
These unfinished structures, financed by public funds, are now at risk of decay long before their intended use. Roads, buildings, bridges, and facilities that communities have been waiting for may soon become empty shells—silent markers of squandered resources. What should have served the people instead becomes a reminder of how easily public money slips away when oversight collapses, and accountability weakens.
The collapse of these projects is not just a technical failure; it is a betrayal of the region’s already fragile development. Eastern Visayas has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, slow public service delivery, and the constant threat of natural disasters. Each halted project widens the gap between need and response, leaving residents exposed to inconvenience, limited mobility, and delayed progress. The damage goes far beyond the idle structures—it reinforces a cycle of deprivation that the region has endured for decades.
More disturbing is the reality that taxpayers already paid for these projects. The funds were released, allocated, and consumed, yet the output now hangs in limbo. The people lose twice: first when their taxes are diverted or mishandled, and again when the promised infrastructure never materializes. This pattern of depletion is a recurring injury in government procurement, where flawed systems, weak monitoring, and political protection allow contractors to walk away while citizens carry the burden.
Authorities must ensure the continuity of these projects through clean, transparent mechanisms. The government must reclaim control, hold all responsible parties to account, and award the remaining work to capable, legitimate contractors who can complete the urgent work the region needs. Through decisive action, strict supervision, and uncompromised standards, the people can be spared from yet another round of waste and disappointment.
