Saavedra wants PJ lifestyle checked

CEBU, Philippines – Self-styled whistleblower Crisologo Saavedra urged the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to conduct a lifestyle check on Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, the brother of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

However, Pablo John just laughed at the recent move of Saavedra and told the latter "happy hunting!"

"But what will he do if any of his allegations are proven false? Will he file a petition to declare himself legally insane?" Pablo John said a text message to Capitol reporters.

Upon learning the comment of Garcia, Saavedra said "it is unbecoming for him… that reflects his personality."

The businessman asked the anti-graft office to investigate and verify the alleged assets of the congressman.

These include the mansion built beside Guadalupe Heights Subdivision in Cebu City paid P7 million to homeowners association to use the right of way for life; fishpond property between Toledo City and Pinamungajan; ownership of Blue Ocean Restaurant and Bar in Lahug, Cebu City and ownership of more or less five high-end expensive cars, one of them a black Hammer.

Saavedra admitted to reporters that his move was inspired by a complaint against a special investigator of the National Bureau of Investigation 7.

Modesta Maglasang, in her complaint, alleged that Arnel Pura of the NBI-7 has acquired P25 million worth of properties, "manifestly out of proportion" to his salary from the NBI.

On the other hand, Saavedra said that he was challenged by the earlier statement of Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda, who said he is ignorant of the law.

"If he accuses me of ignorance of the law, it's excusable because I am not lawyer. If he violates the law (Presidential Decree), it's not excusable of him because he is a top-notch and brilliant lawyer," Saavedra.

Saavedra threatens to file disbarment case against Pablo John and Sepulveda. He will also ask the Office of the Ombudsman to also conduct lifestyle check on Governor Garcia.

He also wants all the congressmen in Cebu to be lifestyle checked soon and not only the Garcias.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed support to the campaign against graft and corruption in the government, adding it should be done on all government officials and employees and should not only focus on a few personalities.

Rama said he knows that the country has so many problems that should be prioritized, but according to him, the campaign against graft and corruption should not be taken for granted.

The mayor said subjecting government officials or employees under a lifestyle check is no longer new, but the problem is that it is not always implemented. - Gregg M. Rubio and Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (FREEMAN)