Capitol won’t pay ammunition supplier

CEBU, Philippines -  The Capitol will not pay for the ammunition delivered to its former security chief, Loy Anthony Madrigal, by APL Trading amounting to over P56,000 because the transaction was not authorized by the provincial government.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said Madrigal's transaction with the supplier was unauthorized. The governor presented to the media a copy of the purchase request which he did not approve.

The document shows the items requested by Madrigal, which include the reloading charge for .45 caliber totaling to P4,237; 9mm caliber at P12,220; 5.56 caliber (P25,208), Surefire battery (P300), ammunition for .45 caliber FMS at P2, 400; 9mm caliber FMS ( P4,200); and reload of .38 caliber worth P3, 100.

After discovering that the delivery did not have his approval, Davide suggested that the firm should collect the amount from Madrigal.

Madrigal has resigned from the Capitol last September following the issues hurled against him, including his alleged illicit affair with his married secretary.

"Si Mr. Madrigal ang mobayad ana. That is his personal liability. They (APL) should have checked sa PGSO (Provincial General Services Office) kung duna bay purchase request for ammunition. It was the fault pod siguro sa APL nganong misalig sila, mihatag sila sa bala nga wa may approval from me," Davide told reporters.

Jone Siegfred Sepe, PGSO head, believes that the ammunition was used for the province-owned guns issued to the Civil Security Unit of the Capitol and that the transaction was made in February when he was not the acting head yet.

He said the office would also need proof that the items were delivered and used.

The FREEMAN contacted APL Trading for comments and details but was told by a staff to call again today since the secretary was not around to speak on the issue.— (FREEMAN)