Bacolod City Council Calls for Comprehensive Audit of Government Assets

The Bacolod City Council has officially requested the General Services Office (GSO), via Mayor Greg Gasataya's office and in collaboration with the Commission on Audit (COA), to carry out a detailed inventory, mapping, and valuation of all government assets within Bacolod City. The goal is to compile and submit a consolidated report to the City Council.

Councilor Caesar Distrito, author of the resolution, emphasized the necessity of maintaining current and accurate records encompassing city-owned properties, vehicles, and equipment. He stated, "Proper management and accounting of government properties are vital to good governance and fiscal responsibility. With a complete and updated inventory and valuation, we can safeguard Bacolod City’s assets, prevent misuse or loss, and identify properties that may be developed to generate revenue or public benefit."

The resolution cites Sections 16 and 129 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which empower local government units to exercise necessary powers for efficient governance and to improve revenue through asset valuation and utilization.

As chairperson of the City Council’s committee on government assets, Distrito also noted that the initiative aligns with COA Circular Nos. 2020-006 and 2015-007 mandating regular physical inventory and valuation of both real and movable government properties.

Co-authors Councilors Dindo Ramos and Celia Matea Flor underscored the importance of accountability and transparency. They remarked, "Bacolod must know exactly what it owns, where those assets are, and their current condition. Only then can we make sound decisions on how to use, maintain, or develop them for the people’s benefit." They added that this process would facilitate better planning in infrastructure, social services, and economic growth.

City officials highlighted risks posed by the current lack of a comprehensive, updated asset registry, citing potential issues such as unaccounted properties, illegal occupation, encroachment, and loss of potential revenues.

"The City Council believes that a consolidated and comprehensive report will guide Bacolod City in protecting and optimizing its properties, in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance," the councilors affirmed.