Town mayor, engineer sued for alleged graft
CEBU, Philippines - A taxpayer has filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Asturias Mayor Alan Adlawan and his municipal engineer for alleged graft and corruption.
Mark Paulus Noel, resident of Barangay Poblacion, Asturias, accused Adlawan and engineer Alberto Indolos of violating the provisions of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Noel said the respondents lied when they claimed 65-percent completion of an oval running track project.
“Upon inspection of the place last May 17, 2013 at around 2:00 p.m. where the oval running track was supposed to be located, I have found out that the materials purchased were not installed. There has been no development and is far from the claimed 65 percent completed,†Noel said in his complaint.
In 2010, Adlawan initiated the construction of oval running track (with football, softball and baseball field inside), bleachers and comfort rooms with P1,670,100 appropriated budget to be taken from the 20 percent Development Fund.
The said project is situated on the lot donated by Adlawan in Barangay Langub, Asturias under the supervision of the Office of the Mayor. The notice of Award was given to Oregon Timber with a contract price of P797,797.45.
Based on the documents, the oval running track and its sports facilities were constructed purposely to be used during the hosting of the Provincial Meet held in October 2010.
However, the complainant said the project was not completed on time despite the release of the budget.
On November 4, 2012 the said municipality hosted again the Provincial Meet and despite the lapse of two years still the project was not completed.
Noel likewise said that the respondents failed to get the Environmental Compliance Certificate for the project.
“Despite of its absence, the respondents ordered the excavation and earth moving of the areas destroying vital trees and other vegetation to the damage of surrounding ecology,†Noel said. — (FREEMAN)
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