Ex-Makati councilor willing to reveal all vs Binay

A former Makati City official surfaced yesterday and expressed willingness to divulge all the information he knows about the alleged illegal contracts of the local government under Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Francisco Ibay, former 1st district councilor of Makati, said he is willing to testify against Binay in connection with various anomalies, including the alleged existence of "ghost employees" at City Hall.

"I am ready to testify on these anomalous contracts that caused enormous losses to the city government’s coffers," Ibay said during a press conference in Pasay City.

He claimed Binay entered into questionable contracts and is guilty of overpricing when he and other city officials purchased government equipment in 2001.

These include the purchase of medical equipment for the city-owned Ospital ng Makati, which he said was overpriced by as much as P61 million; the purchase of textbooks worth P124 million in 2000; and a similar contract in 2001 that was allegedly overpriced by P98 million.

Ibay said the city government also entered into an illegal contract for the supply of computers, air-conditioning units, a sound system and a six-wheeler diesel engine truck in 2001.

"The city government lost P18 million in the textbook contract as they failed to secure the best terms for the government contrary to the provisions of the education department, while the purchase of computers was overpriced by as much as P10 million," he claimed.

Binay, Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, and 16 councilors are facing administrative charges for allegedly taking in ghost employees at City Hall.

Ibay ran for Makati mayor in the May 2004 elections, but was defeated by Binay.

Meanwhile, the mayor shrugged off Ibay’s accusation, saying that "just like the case filed against him by Malacañang ally Roberto Brillante, the timing and motive is questionable."

"I am willing to face anybody, anywhere in this case. Let me say this, I practiced law for 17 years and I know as lawyers say that this case has no leg to stand on. As they say, they will never be able to defend their accusation at Plaza Miranda," Binay said.

The mayor said he is ready to accept a suspension order, if any is issued. He still expressed confidence that the DILG and the Office of the President will "carefully review" the complaint, particularly the issue of ghost employees.

"We have submitted pertinent documents to prove that all the supposed ghost employees are actually warm bodies who are currently working here," Binay said. He added that each department head at City Hall has submitted an affidavit to support certification of employees.

He likewise said that respondents in the case, including Mercado and the councilors, have also submitted counter-affidavits to refute the charges.

"We will submit ourselves to due process," Binay said. He added they have received credible reports that Malacañang is out to issue a preventive suspension before Oct. 16, to beat the 90-day ban before the 2007 elections.

If ever a suspension order is served, Binay said they can exhaust all legal remedies available.