Panel to investigate lamppost case created

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayas Ombudsman has created a panel to investigate the alleged anomalous purchase of the decorative lampposts used during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2007.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol panel is composed of three lawyers and one prosecutor.

He gave the panel 60 days to finish the investigation and submit their recommendation whether there is sufficient evidence to elevate the case to the Sandiganbayan.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case filed against then mayor, now Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Arturo Radaza and 12 others for lack of evidence.

However, Apostol requested the Ombudsman Head Office to reinvestigate the matter because they have all the evidence against the respondents.  His request was granted.

Other respondents were then Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) legal officer Agustinito Hermoso; former DPWH-7 director Robert Lala; DPWH-7 assistant 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 panel has started gathering evidence and will get back the documents that were endorsed before the Sandiganbayan.

Meanwhile, the investigation on the alleged reclamation in the controversial Balili Property in Tinaan, Naga City is done.

But Apostol said he is still waiting for the recommendation of the investigators.

After the submission of the recommendation, the evaluation report will be forwarded to Ombudsman-Manila for Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ approval.

Apostol said they relied mostly on the report from the Commission on Audit (COA) although the anti-graft office also conducted its own audit on the expenses in the development of the property.

Last year, Cebu vice-governor now acting Governor Agnes Magpale and Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman seeking for the investigation of the alleged acts of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of developing the property.

They questioned the funds used by Garcia saying the PB did not authorize her to spend government funds for the development.

Gubernatorial candidate Hilario “Junjun” Davide III Davide also filed criminal and administrative complaints against Garcia, provincial treasurer Roy Salubre, Supreme ABF  Construction and Construction Supply Company president and general manager Bernabe Gilbor over the development in the Balili property.

He said Garcia violated the law since she was not authorized by the Provincial Board to develop the property. —/MBG (FREEMAN)