Gwen, 19 consultants face malversation raps

CEBU, Philippines – Self-styled graft buster Crisologo Saavedra yesterday filed a case for malversation of public funds against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and 20 other Capitol officials including her consultants.

Aside from Garcia also named respondents of the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas were provincial treasurer Roy Salubre and consultants Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda, information and revenue generation; Atty. Manolet Dinsay, performance management; Remton Zuasola and Minerva Gerodias, television affairs; Antonio Aguirre, Jr., barangay affairs; Dr. Matheas Baguia, labor market information; Jose Eleazar Bersales, museum affairs; Sam Costanilla, media affairs; Ian Fresnido, interior designer; Tessie Javier, architecture; Rogelio Murcia, Jr., electronic media; Dr. Ester Velasquez, international relations; Col. Cesar Veloso, peace and order; Alfredo Amores, water and resource management; Antonio Almirante, legal research and legislation; Antero Caña, Jr., development communication; Ernesto Viernes, engineering and outsourcing; Atty. Lito Astillero and Atty. Jose Maria Gastardo.

The latest case that Saavedra filed was his fifth case against Garcia. Saavedra said the administrative aspect of the complaint was already filed before the Office of the President.

According to Saavedra, Garcia's hiring of her 19 consultants was illegal because it did not have approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Saavedra said the provincial board did not authorize the Governor to enter into a consultancy contract with her present consultants.

Saavedra, who admitted that he is not hiring any lawyer every time he files a case against public officials, said that Garcia is paying her consultants at least P18,000 to P25,000 a month out of the province's coffers.

Saavedra, whose appointment as consultant of Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez was not recognized by Garcia, said that the 19 consultants are representing the provincial government even if their contracts are "null and void."

He cited an opinion from the Department of Interior and Local Government allegedly supporting his stand.

Saavedra said that based on the legal opinion rendered by DILG regional director Pedro Noval, Jr. on October 6, 2010, "retaining the services of a consultant is made through contract."

He added that, as provided under Section 22 (c) of the Local Government Code, "no contract may be entered into by the local chief executive in behalf of the local government unit without prior authorization by the Sanggunian concern, unless otherwise provided in the Code or pursuant to law or ordinance."

Saavedra said he is praying that the anti-graft office will hasten the investigation and file the necessary criminal cases charges in court as well as place the respondents under preventive suspension.

"I will never get tired of filing cases against public officials, allegedly involved in graft and corruption. This has to be stopped," said Saavedra.

He claimed to have spent his own money in filing charges. In fact, he allegedly spent P1 million when he filed a case against several public officials allegedly involved in the 12th ASEAN Summit lampposts scandal. (FREEMAN)