Ombuds upholds dismissal of case vs Rama et al

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by previous members of the Cebu City Council against suspended mayor Michael Rama and other city officials over a project at the South Road Properties.

In a joint order dated October 19, 2015, graft investigation and prosecution officer Francisca Maullon-Serfino said she found no reason to reverse the June 15 order dismissing the case since the procurement process of the project was observed and that the contractor was qualified.

The order was approved by Ombudsman Carpio-Morales.     The order was received Wednesday by City Legal Office.

Among the complainants are former vice mayor Joy Augustus Young and Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Augustus Pe Jr., Rodrigo Abellanosa, Lea Japson, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, Ma. Nida Cabrera, Roberto Cabarrubias, Alvin Dizon, Michael Ralota, Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao, Raul Alcoseba, and John Philip Po II.

They accused the city’s executive department of failing to seek authority from the legislative body before it entered into a contract with the contractor for the project in SRP.

Named respondents are Rama, former councilor Jose Daluz III, Eustaquio Cesa Jr., Alipio Bacalso Jr., Dominic Diño, Jose Marie Poblete, Rafael Christopher Yap, Ester Concha, Nenita Fernandez, Kenneth Carmelita Enriquez, Joel Reston and Yuri Sesican, all City Hall employees.

The P50.4-million worth project which seeks to clear the embankment for the Bus Rapid Transit in SRP was awarded to Supreme ABF, and implemented in March 2013. It was funded under the allocation for SRP Management in the 2012 Annual Budget.

The anti-graft office said no one from the executive department nor the contractor was “unduly injured” by the transaction.  (FREEMAN)