Ombuds eyes reinvestigation

CEBU, Philippines - If their request will be granted by the Office of the Ombudsman-Manila, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said they will reinvestigate and refile the anti-graft case involving the controversial lampposts used for the 12th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu in 2005 which was dismissed by the Sandiganbayan 5th Division.

Apostol said they will no longer be filing a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court but would rather strengthen their evidence and refile the case before the Sandiganbayan.

Last Jan. 16, 2012, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the anti-graft case against Rep. Arturo Radaza, former mayor of Lapu-Lapu City; then DPWH legal officer Agustinito Hermoso; former DPWH-7 regional director Robert Lala; DPWH-7 assistant regional directors Marlina Alvizo and Gloria Dindin; and division heads Luis Galang, Restituto Diano, Buenaventura Pajo and Pureza Fernandez, Lapu-Lapu City engineer Julito Cuizon and assistant engineers Rogelio Veloso and Fernando Tagaan Jr. and Isabelo Braza, the president and chairman of Fabmik Construction  and  Equipment Supply Co. Inc.

Apostol said the Sandiganbayan  decision stated without prejudice meaning they can re-file the case.

He said they have all the documentary evidence to support their case against officials involved in the controversial lampposts.

“Once the Ombudsman grants our request we will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine probable cause and to strengthen our evidence…if there were lapses it will be corrected,” he said.

On the issue of computation, Apostol said they will make specific computations for the cost of labor, material used and others.

Apostol said reinvestigating the case has nothing to do with personal matters.

“Hindi kami namemersonal. Kung walang kaso, wala talaga. Mission namin to dispense justice,” he said.

Earlier, Radaza issued a statement that he was thankful for the dismissal of the case.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)