Computer Scam: Pelaez says Radaza affidavit “defective”

Businessman Efrain Pelaez Jr. countered the affidavit of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and the rest of the respondents in the alleged computer overpricing scam submitted last month, calling it defective “from the beginning”.

Radaza, in his counter-affidavit, maintained that he and the rest of the respondents are innocent of the charges and contended that the acquisition of the 470 sets of computers worth P23,476,500 were regular and above-board with no malice and bad faith.

Last September 19, Pelaez, through the Coralpoint Educational Foundation, Inc. of which he is president, charged Radaza before the Ombudsman-Visayas for administrative charge for dishonesty, violation of RA 9184 or the Government Reform Procurement Act and conspiracy with private respondent in relation to the purchase of the allegedly overpriced computers.

Pelaez said the purchase was overpriced by P14,000,000 which was squirreled away in unknown bank accounts by these government officials sworn to serve the public.

“It is an insult to our collective intelligence. The fact is that overwhelming pieces of evidence show that at the time of purchase of computers in the specifications given by respondents, the prevailing price was only between P19,000 to P20,000,” the affidavit read.

Radaza said in his affidavit that he cannot be faulted for purchasing these computers at P49,900 each as the AFP even purchased computers for P90,000.

But Pelaez said two acts of overpricing do not make the crime less despicable, just as two wrongs do not make a right.  

“Pointing to another wrong, does not make their act right.  A thief that steals P1,000,000 is just as guilty as one who steals P10,000,000. They both belong in jail,” Pelaez stated.

The mayor also said that if there is one who should be more concerned with irregularities such as overpricing, it should be the Commission On Audit and not Pelaez.

But Pelaez countered that COA’s findings no proof of overpricing is no defense and that the determination of overpricing may independently be made by the Ombudsman taking into account all evidence presented.

“That the COA reneged in its constitutional duty does not make right the corruption committed by the respondents.  It does not mean that respondents committed no overpricing; it only meant that COA should be charged as well, as they shall soon be charged, for conniving and confederating with herein respondents,” Pelaez added.

Aside from Radaza, those impleaded in the charges include city attorney Vincent Joseph Lim, city administrator Teodulo Ybañez, assistant city engineer Fernando Tagaan, city budget officer Victoria Andoy, city treasurer Elena Pacaldo, legal officer Michael Dignos, Maria Guiao of the Procurement Office and technical working group members Cipriano Flores, Maribeth Sorono, Rogelio Veloso, Sharon Baguio, Buenaventura Igot and Jerico Mercado.

Office of the City Accountant inspectors Leandro Dante and Ernesto Imbong, General Services Office inspector Rogaciano Tampos, former Lapu-Lapu City Schools superintendent Serena Uy and Jennet Valencia, manager of Kein Enterprises.  — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP