Rama: No sacred cow on overpricing probe

CEBU, Philippines -Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants investigation on the reported overpricing in the purchase vehicle spare parts at the Department of Public Services (DPS), promising not to defend whoever is involved.

Rama wishes for Councilor Richard “Ritchie” Osmeña to give him copies of whatever documents that he gathered about the alleged overpricing in the purchase of spare parts that the city legislator is personally investigating.

It was Osmeña who exposed the alleged anomalous activity at the DPS, saying it is only the tip of the iceberg. He disclosed that he uncovered other anomalies while investigating the allegations of overpricing.

“When I’m done compiling everything I won’t mind giving the mayor a copy, not only overpricing because as I look into it now the overpricing is just only the tip of the iceberg,” said the south district councilor.

Rama said he is happy that Osmeña is taking part in the investigation of the alleged wrongdoings of some city employees because he already told the City Hall employees that he will not protect corrupt personnel.

According to Rama, once he receives the documents from Osmeña he may create a fact-finding committee or refer the matter to the City Legal Office.

Osmeña plans to file complaints for graft and corruption against any DPS personnel. 

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young advised Osmeña not to reveal yet the questionable transactions in the DPSthathe is investigating until they finish gathering the supporting documents.

“Daghan kaayong binuang nga akong nakap-lagan. Sagdi lang kay kun mahuman ang pagtigum nako sa dukomento adto ko kini i-file sa Ombudsman,” Osmeña said. (I have uncovered a lot of anomalies. I will take these to the anti-graft office.)

When Gualiza appeared before the City Council last Wednesday, he said it’s possible there is no overpricing in the purchase of spare parts. He said the reason the prices are high could be their choice of genuine parts, which are much expensive.

The DPS documents that Osmeña had gathered showed that a selector cable for vehicle costs P5,800 but a canvass made by the councilor’s staff members showed it to be only P800. A distributor assembly was listed by then DPS canvasser Joel Obenieta as P5,800 but Osmeña’s worker found out it was only P3,300.

Obenieta has been relieved already by Gualiza last Monday pending the result of his own investigation. Rama did not comment when asked about Gualiza’s designation of Obenieta as purchasing officer or canvasser although his appointment is only as metro aide-1.(FREEMAN)