Ombud affirms graft raps vs Cebu airport officials

CEBU, Philippines - Former Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) General Manager Danilo Augusto Francia and five others are set to face criminal charges for the alleged irregularities in the development of the MCIAA MIP Complex on 2006.

This, after Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the recommendation to upgrade into a criminal case, the complaint filed by Crisologo Saavedra against some officials of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority led by Francia.

In its Final Evaluation Report dated August 18, 2011, the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas recommended that the case against former MCIA general manager Danilo Augusto Francia; assistant general manager Romeo Bersonda; property division manager Alvarro Derramas; Engr. Eduardo Ginete and senior corporate accountant Grace del Bando and Engr. Fortunato Sanchez, managing director of Socor Construction, be upgraded into a criminal case for the violation of R.A. 3019 also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Morales also approved the recommendation to file a separate administrative case for dishonesty against the said personnel except for Francia, who is no longer in office, and Sanchez who is private person.

The Final Evaluation Report signed by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol on September 7, 2011 was approved by Morales last February 29, 2012.

Saavedra earlier requested for an investigation on the project which was allegedly implemented without competitive public bidding, overpriced and was awarded to a favored contractor.

The contract cost of the project was P287,729.53 and was awarded to Socor Construction on November 16, 2006.

During the investigation, MCIAA state auditor Ma. Irma Purog informed the anti-graft investigator that the project was found to be in accordance with the program of works, plans and specifications based on the Inspection Report prepared by the Commission on Audit technical audit specialists dated February 6, 2008.

However, Purog also informed that “there were irregularities found in the additional development projects at MIP Complex.”

It was found out that the negotiated contract entered into was not supported by the Bids and Awards Committee.

The Notice to Proceed was dated November 16, 2006 while the Requisition Issue Voucher and the Program of Work were dated November 27, 2006 and November 23, 2008, respectively.

The Supplemental Agreement was dated December 13, 2006, which was two days after the supposed completion of the project on December 11, 2006 based on the Final Inspection Report.  (FREEMAN)