GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles of the Lone District of General Santos City has clarified the decision to set up a temporary office at the Oval Plaza, emphasizing that it was a personal initiative to immediately begin serving her constituents amid the delayed turnover of the official congressional office.
According to Bañas-Nograles, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has scheduled the formal turnover of the congressional office—formerly occupied by Congressman Loreto “Ton” Acharon—on July 15. However, as her term as official representative has already begun, she found it necessary to establish a functional workspace to start attending to the needs of the public.
She also revealed that Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao had been consulted about her plans. While she was given the option to temporarily occupy an office in Barangay San Isidro, Bañas-Nograles deemed the location too far and less accessible to the public. The Oval Plaza tent office, she explained, was chosen for its central location and convenience for those seeking assistance.
The delayed turnover of the congressional office is partly tied to the pending handover of the newly completed Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) General Santos City District Office building. The P48-million project, initiated during Congressman Acharon’s term, includes a fourth floor intended for the congressional office. However, the DPWH has yet to authorize the turnover of the facility to the DTI, its end-user.
According to sources close to the matter, the Congresswoman’s team already submitted a letter of intent to the DPWH General Santos District Office, DPWH Region 12, and Mayor Pacquiao to formally request the use of the said office. As of this writing, they have not received any official response.
The situation is further complicated by procedural requirements. Any use of local government property must be supported by a Sanggunian resolution granting the local chief executive authority to allow its use. However, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is set to resume session only in August.
Despite these setbacks, Bañas-Nograles assured the public that there is budgetary support from the House of Representatives for operational expenses of her office, including staff salaries and rental of temporary facilities.
She also addressed circulating misinformation, stating that her use of the Oval Plaza tent office had the knowledge of Mayor Pacquiao and was not done in defiance of local protocols, contrary to some media reports.
In the midst of these developments, the Congresswoman remains focused on legislative work. On the same day, she filed eight proposed House Bills, aimed at addressing key concerns and promoting development in General Santos City. These include:
- Creation of a TESDA District Office
- Establishment of the MSU General Santos City College of Law
- Declaration of February 27 as a Special Non-Working Holiday in the city
- Declaration of June 15 as Charter Anniversary Holiday
- Declaration of July 22 as Blaan Day Holiday
- Creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR)
- Establishment of a Local National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Office
- Amendment of Section 285 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code)
“Our goal is simple but powerful: a more progressive, safer, and more humane General Santos for everyone,” Bañas-Nograles said, thanking her constituents for their trust and pledging continued dedication to public service.
She concluded with a reminder to the media and public to avoid spreading unverified information and to focus instead on moving forward for the good of the city.