Backboards and Rings Removed Due to SK Chairwoman’s ₱400K Debt
Residents of Barangay Boulevard, Molo are frustrated after a contractor removed the basketball court’s backboards and rings because SK Chairwoman Raidine Nicole Benedicto allegedly failed to pay more than ₱400,000 in debts.
The court now stands incomplete, leaving the youth without a place to play or exercise. According to resident Rene Rizalde, the children were confused and disappointed when they discovered the equipment was missing.
The contractor reported that the unpaid amount includes the backboards and rings, an air-conditioning unit for the health center, sports uniforms, and referee fees for a previous league. They said they had asked Benedicto for payment more than ten times over nearly two years, but she did not provide even a partial payment. A company representative named Onid stated that Benedicto avoided discussions about the debt and did not give any payment date, which forced them to retrieve the equipment.
Residents also worry that the basketball court may not be restored in time for the barangay fiesta in January 2025. Resident Christian Dave Singular said that those responsible for the problem should take responsibility for fixing it.
Attempts to reach Benedicto for her side were unsuccessful, as she was not at home and did not respond to messages. Barangay Captain John Villanueva confirmed that during their recent session, Benedicto admitted she had not paid the contractor. Villanueva said she promised to reinstall the backboards using her personal funds and planned to speak directly with the contractor to resolve the issue.
Villanueva will call both Benedicto and the contractor to a meeting on Saturday to settle the matter. He has also required Benedicto to submit all documents related to the purchases involved. The contractor stated they are ready to return the removed equipment once the outstanding balance is fully paid.
For now, the basketball court remains unusable, disappointing many residents and leaving local youths without a space for play and exercise as the barangay waits for the issue to be resolved.