Burnham Lake rehab rejected over defects

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has refused to accept the rehabilitation work at Burnham Lake, saying the contractor must correct defects before the city releases payment for the P100-million project.

Magalong expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the work, stressing that the city government would not pay for infrastructure that failed to meet required standards.

“We’re not accepting it. Hanggang talagang hindi nila ayusin nang maayos,” Magalong said, referring to the defects in the rehabilitation project.

He said the contractor must address the deficiencies before the project can be formally accepted and settled.

The rehabilitation was funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Burnham Lake reopened to the public on 1 September 2026, after months of work.

However, less than a month after its reopening, the lake’s walkway was reportedly showing signs of wear.

Magalong said the city was coordinating with TIEZA and other concerned parties to ensure that the defects were corrected and public funds were not released for substandard work.

He also noted that private construction projects undergo inspections and require defects identified during completion checks to be addressed before acceptance.

The dispute has prompted questions from residents and online commentators about the city government’s oversight of the project, including the approval of materials and construction specifications.

Some critics argued that responsibility should not rest solely with the contractor, saying project proponents and approving officials must also be accountable for decisions made before construction began.

The concerns extend to other public infrastructure projects in Baguio, including improvements to the Rose Garden, Igorot Garden, Mansion Lake fountains and sidewalks.

The controversy highlights calls for stronger monitoring during construction, rather than relying mainly on inspections after defects emerge.