CAGAYAN de Oro former Mayor Oscar Moreno on Friday, April 4, responded to statements by City Council Majority Floor Leader Edgar Cabanlas, who claimed that Moreno’s unfinished infrastructure projects have burdened the administration of Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy.
Moreno laughed off the accusation during a forum with persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Barangay Consolacion, saying a local chief executive should not stop initiating projects just because their term is ending.
Reporters pressed Moreno to comment on Cabanlas’ claim that several projects — including the Bolonsiri cemetery, City Central School, Puerto Market, and Cugman National High School — were left incomplete during Moreno’s administration and have created problems for the current leadership.
“Wa ko nagtoo sa akong nadunggan, and coming from Councilor Cabanlas, murag wow, unsa naba ni, they must be very desperate,” Moreno said.
Moreno, who once ran with Cabanlas as his vice mayoral candidate in 2013, expressed disappointment in the councilor, saying he had considered him a “reasonable and decent” official.
He accused unnamed individuals of “clutching at straws” to create issues against him.
He defended his administration's efforts, saying urgent needs — such as the lack of space at City Central School — required action regardless of his term limits. He noted that students were forced into three class shifts due to overcrowding.
“Nangita lang gyud syag unsa iyang ikasulti, buhi dayon syag storya nga gi connect dayon ko sa contractor,” Moreno added, denying any irregularities.
Moreno also cited the Lumbia hospital, which he claimed was completed and turned over in 2022 but allegedly left unused by the current administration. He suggested it remains idle to avoid giving him credit.
“If the current administration had simply continued the projects, ‘wala unta syay problema, ayahay unta karon,” Moreno said adding: “Kung iyang lang untang giatiman husto ang syudad, nganong mudagan man ko? Iksakto na to akong 24 ka tuig [of public service].”
He said he now feels compelled to run for office again, citing the need for stronger leadership.
Meanwhile, city hall officials reported that 126 projects worth P1.1 billion were left unfinished, raising concerns flagged by the Commission on Audit. Uy’s administration reportedly inherited P800 million in outstanding debts, which they say have limited the city’s ability to fund new initiatives.
