Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. clarified that his office’s ₱300-million funding request for the reconstruction of the Pampang Public Market remains a proposal and would be subject to the appropriate government processes if approved.

The Pampang Public Market was damaged by a fire on September 16, 2026.

In a statement, Lazatin’s office said the congressman and his brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, jointly wrote President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, requesting that the proposed funding be considered under the 2027 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

The statement clarified the following:

1. The ₱300-million funding is only a request. The proposed allocation has been endorsed for possible inclusion in the 2027 LGSF and has not yet been approved.
2. The funds will not go to the congressman’s office. According to the statement, while requesting funding allocations for programs in their districts is part of a legislator’s representational function, the handling and disbursement of funds are not under a congressman’s mandate. Any approved funding would go to the government agency with jurisdiction over the program.
3. The request does not replace the Angeles City government’s jurisdiction over the market. The joint letter was described as a request and endorsement for possible national government assistance to the City Government of Angeles following the fire. The statement said the initiative is intended to support the LGU in seeking assistance for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of the market, without taking over its management or control of the project or funds.

Any financial assistance, it added, would require an appropriation made by law and compliance with applicable government procedures and guidelines.

4. The project will undergo the required procurement process. If the funding is approved and the project proceeds, procurement will be undertaken by the authorized procuring entity in accordance with Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, and its implementing rules and regulations.

The statement said competitive bidding is currently being considered, although the final procurement mode will be determined by the authorized procuring entity based on the fit-for-purpose procurement approach and applicable legal, documentary and approval requirements.

5. The office vowed to safeguard the funds. Lazatin’s office said the congressman recognizes that government funds come from taxpayers and pledged to ensure that any funding allocated for the Pampang Public Market would be used for the intended project and benefit the public.

The statement also cited Lazatin’s previous service as an Angeles City councilor and mayor, as well as his current role as Pampanga’s 1st District representative, in emphasizing his office’s position on accountability in the use of public funds.