DPS blames delay on huge volume of documents

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Department of Public Services (DPS) head lawyer Jigo Dacua said the volume of documents that need to be certified is delaying their response to the National Bureau of Investigation-7's request for such documents.

The NBI-7 is seeking the documents as part of its independent investigation into alleged anomalous garbage hauling contracts of the city in 2021.

NBI-7 had asked DPS, in a letter dated August 3 and received last August 4, copies of certain documents, including all the original official receipts as issued by ARN Central, the private landfill operator, on the hauling trips made by Docast Constructions/JJ&J Construction and General Supply for the solid waste disposal from the start of the service until its termination.

DPS was also asked to provide NBI a true copy of its latest communication with the Commission on Audit in relation to "a waste landfill/treat facility located in Kalawisan, Lapu-Lapu.”

Dacua acknowledged receipt of the said letter.

“Yes nadawat nako (letter),” he said.

However, he said it is taking them time to produce everything because of the sheer volume of documents asked.

“Ang gipangayo man gud nila is original. We ought to provide them certified copies, unya voluminous man gud ni na documents mao na langay mi hatag,” Dacua said.

Dacua also said the last copy that they had was submitted to COA.

Asked when exactly they are planning to give the documents needed, Dacua did not give any answer yet as of press time.

The matter of the City’s waste disposal problem came about when DPS asked for additional funding aside from the approved funding it had for 2021.

As members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod scrutinized its budget, it led to more questions that paved the way for them to endorse it to the NBI for a formal investigation.

NBI, in return, promised to build a solid case over the alleged anomaly.

The Commission on August also found some indications of irregularities concerning the city’s contractor for its garbage disposal.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama himself instructed offices concerned to cooperate with the NBI.

Rama has earlier emphasized transparency and accountability in his administration. — JMD (FREEMAN)