Lawyer steps down as Capitol BAC chief

CEBU, Philippines -  Capitol lawyer Orvi Ortega has resigned as head of the provincial Bid and Awards Committee, Governor Hilario Davide III announced yesterday.

“Last Thursday, Atty. Ortega resigned from BAC. He asked to be relieved from his duties and responsibilities sa BAC,” Davide said, adding, that he only received Ortega’s letter last Friday  and accepted it with “regret. ”

“I welcome the decision of Atty. Ortega. I accepted his resignation with regret because as I always mention, I still have trust and confidence in him. His services are for the good of everybody,” the governor said.

Davide clarified, however, that Ortega will remain as lawyer for the provincial government and concurrent chief of staff.

Davide confirmed Ortega’s resignation was triggered by the controversies surrounding the bidding for Capitol’s security services. He said, however, that the decision of the lawyer was “for the good of everybody.”

The controversy started when BAC allowed Black Pearl Security Agency to win the P27-million security services contract only to disqualify the firm later allegedly because its personnel are not competent enough, among other reasons. Because of the delay the controversy caused, Davide was left with no choice but to declare a failure of bidding.

It is now up to the committee itself to find Ortega’s replacement.  (FREEMAN)