Tomas: Result of PB inquiry simply to please Governor

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas Osmeña expressed dissatisfaction over the result of the inquiry conducted by the Provincial Board on the Balili controversy.

Osmeña said the result of the inquiry is ‘not credible’ because the ad hoc committee did not recommend any sanction against those allegedly responsible for the purchase of the submerged Balili properties in Naga City.

Osmeña said the result of the inquiry seems aimed only at making Governor Gwendolyn Garcia happy.

“Gwen just proved that it is so easy to fool the Cebuanos all (of) the time. Anyway, the mayors in the province don’t care how much the governor steals as long as they get funding this election. Abangan!” Osmeña said in a text message.

Osmeña and Garcia are not in good terms since the foiled last swap deal between the city and the provincial government five years ago.

The mayor is supporting the candidacy of former Cebu City councilor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III who is running against Garcia. It was Osmeña himself who encouraged Davide to run against Gwen.

Osmeña described the purchase of the 24.7 hectare Balili property in barangay Tinaan, Naga City as highly irregular because part of it is submerged. Despite of it, purchased the property at P98 million.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez is reportedly not satisfied of the results of the inquiry. The ad hoc committee had claimed its investigation was not intended for sanction, but for “curative legislation.”

While the inquiry found out it was Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo who broached the idea to buy the property twice to the governor, the ad hoc committee said it has no investigative power over their fellow provincial officials.

Davide, for his part, has assured that buying of submerged properties will not happen under his administration if given the chance to lead the province. – Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)