Provincial Board agrees to reopen Balili lot probe

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board agreed yesterday to reopen the investigation into the controversial purchase of the Balili lot in barangay Tinaan, Naga town.

Following the approval of a resolution authored by PB member Victor Maambong, with 11 other PB members as co-sponsors, the probe into the controversial land purchase was revived.

Only two PB members —Bea Mercede Calderon, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Provincial president and Julian “Teban” Daan, PB member Juan Bolo’s fellow first district PB member— did not sign the resolution.

The PB agreed to invite this Monday, Provincial treasurer Roy Salubre to shed light on the report that he received P50,000 as tax payment from Bolo.

In a radio interview, Bolo denied giving Salubre the amount.

PB member Victor Maambong said there is a need for them to hear the side of Salubre about the said issue.

The Balili deal has been used by the opponents of Governor Gwen Garcia as one of the big issues against her reelection bid this coming May 10, 2010 elections.

It was only after the province had purchased the lot was it revealed that eight hectares of the 24.7-hectare lot was underwater. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)