Gov asked to probe Dumanjug VM’s link to Capitol Yolanda sardines mess

CEBU, Philippines - Suspended Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia has called on Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to investigate the alleged involvement of his vice mayor, Acting Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica, in the Capitol for typhoon victims.

Garcia questioned why Gica was allowed to transact business at the Capitol, particularly in the supply of sardines that were purchased for relief operations after typhoon Yolanda.

He said if the report is true, it is a violation of the Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and is therefore punishable under the law.

“I’m asking Gov. Davide to investigate Vice Mayor Gica or even suspend him; otherwise, magduda nako ana ug ang mga tawo (I and the people would get suspicious),” Garcia said.

Capitol Information Officer Ethel Natera, however, said Gica did not participate but just recommended a supplier for the sardines.

Former Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Head Evelyn Senajon earlier said she called Gica after the super typhoon and asked him to help her look for a supplier, which the latter confirmed to The FREEMAN yesterday.

 â€œDili man ako ang supplier, ako amigo. Nagpatabang ra si maam Evelyn para madali ang delivery na mahatagan siya stocks because daghan iya requirements for Yolanda,” Gica said.

Davide last week relieved Senajon as PSWDO head, citing irregularities in the procurement of relief goods for Yolanda victims.

Although the governor believed that no overpricing took place during the purchase of the relief goods, he explained Senajon deviated from the procedure in purchasing the commodities.

The issue of overpricing reportedly has nothing to do with the termination of Senajon as acting head of the PSWDO.

Davide considered Senajon’s failure to convene the Bids and Awards Committee as irregular.  (FREEMAN)