Anti-graft office to wrap up lamppost probe this month

Graft investigators looking into the alleged anomalies in the procurement of decorative lampposts during the 12th ASEAN Summit were given until this month to wrap up their investigation.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said he wants the lamppost investigation to be finished this month during the radio program “Isumbong mo sa Ombudsman” over radio dyLA yesterday.

Apostol, however, said that the result of the investigation will not be released to the public immediately as this will still be forwarded to Manila for approval by Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

The lamppost investigation is only one of the several ASEAN related projects being looked into by the anti-graft body because of alleged anomalies. The decorative lampposts, however, was the first to be investigated as it generated instant public reactions when it was learned that the government paid over P200,000 for each lamppost.

The controversy has resulted to the suspension of Mayor Arturo Radaza of Lapu-Lapu City and then Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the region.

A team of graft investigators earlier found enough bases to upgrade its fact-finding investigation on the alleged overpricing to formal criminal and administrative adjudication for dishonesty and grave misconduct.

Aside from Radaza and Ouano, DPWH officials Gloria Dindin, Roberto Lala, Marlina Alvizo, Pureza Fernandez and Cresencio Bagolor were among the respondents.

 The other respondents were Mandaue City engineer Hidelisa Latonio, engineering office staff Mario Gerolaga, Alfredo Sanchez, Rosalina Denque and Gregorio Omo, Lapu-Lapu City engineer Julito Cuizon, his assistant Fernando Tagaan, Jr., and Rogelio Veloso.Also included in the criminal case were members of the DPWH Bids and Awards Committee composed of lawyer Agustinito Hermoso, regional legal officer Luis Galang, planning and design division chief Restituto Diano, administrative division chief Buenaventura Pajo, the construction division chief and the technical working group. The lamppost suppliers Fabmik Construction and Development Corporation and Gampik Construction and Development Corporation were also included in the case. — Fred P. Languido/QSB