Ombudsman to reopen probe into questionable computers

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas will reopen its investigation into the alleged overpricing in the procurement of computers for the barangays in the north district of Cebu City following information that except for barangay Carreta, transaction of which was cancelled, the other barangays pushed through with the anomalous purchases.

Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Palanca Santigao during her weekly radio program over dyLA said her office will docket another fact-finding investigation into it. However, Santiago said the most that they could do is to ask for a copy of the annual audit report of the Commission on Audit considering that it happened six years ago.

Santiago explained that COA conducts audit every year and it is possible that the alleged anomalous purchases have already been found. She said they will ask a copy of this audit report to find out if there were anomalies.

The anti-graft office earlier conducted an investigation into this based on a complaint filed by Mariano Nadera and Carreta barangay councilman Antonio Conahap.

However, the complaints were dismissed jointly by the Ombudsman on the ground that the alleged overpriced transaction has not been consummated. It was found out that the computers intended for Carreta valued at P100,000 each were not yet paid.

But, a certain Roque Nacar of barangay Labangon recently questioned the dismissal of the complaints. Nacar claimed what was dismissed by the anti-graft office only pertains to the transaction of Carreta.

According to Nacar, the other barangays in the north district which include Zapatera, Pahina Central, Ermita, Luz, Lahug, Busay, Guba, Adlaon, Binaliw, Lusaran, Paril, Sambag I, Mabolo, Agsungot, Hipodromo, Kamputhaw, Apas, Sto. Niño and Pulangbato were given the same amount from Rep. Raul del Mar.

Nacar claimed that based on the documents he obtained, these barangays purchased the overpriced computers from Manila-based dealer Global Development Corporation at P100,000 each when the computer actually cost P39,000 only.

Nacar already brought up the issue before Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. Santiago, who recommended for the approval of the dismissal of the earlier complaint, defended their action.

She said there was really no basis to indict the officials concerned because there was no actual disbursement of funds. Santiago added that it is not also true that there were two separate complaints.

According to her, while there were two complainants, Conahap and Nadera, the complaints only pertain to barangay Carreta prompting them to consolidate it. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV