DOJ finds Gatchalian, 6 others liable in deadly Kentex inferno

Zamora and minority pals turning pro-admin?

Ateam of Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors has affirmed the findings of the Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force (IATF) that held Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian, owners of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation (Kentex), and several others criminally liable for the Valenzuela factory fire that left at least 72 people dead.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the DOJ prosecutors has found basis in recommending the filing of Violation of Section 3 (e) of RA No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Office of the Ombudsman against Mayor Gatchalian, Valenzuela City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) officer-in-charge Atty. Renchi May Padayao, Valenzuela City BPLO licensing officer Eduardo Carreon, Valenzuela City Fire Marshal F/Supt. Mel Lagan, Fire Safety Enforcement Section (FSES) chief Edgrover Oculam, and Fire Safety Inspector SFO2 Rolando Avendan.

Mayor Gatchalian, Padayao, Carreon, Lagan, Oculam, and Avendan will likewise undergo preliminary investigation hearings for violation of RA 9514 or The 2008 Fire Code of the Philippines.

The DOJ also recommended the filing of administrative case against Mayor Gatchalian, Padayao, Carreon, Lagan, Oculam, Avendan and Kentex Operations Manager Terrence King Ong due to the factory fire tragedy.

Meanwhile, a separate complaint of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries complaints has been recommended to be filed before the DOJ against Ong; Rosalina Uy Ngo, owner of Ace Shutter Corp.; Oscar Romero and Wilmer Arenal, both employees of Ace Shutter Corp.

As for the other responsible managers, officials, owners of Kentex, such as Ong King Guan and Beato Ang, the DOJ said they would be charged “in the event that further investigation on their management responsibilities and administrative functions reveals equal culpability on the safety of the establishment together with Terrence King Ong.”

The panel, composed of six prosecutors, was created by the DOJ chief last month tasked specifically to review the IATF report and “determine the possible criminal and administrative offenses committed in said incident under the Revised Penal Code, the Revised Fire Code (Republic Act 9514), the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Revised Administrative Code, the Civil Service Law, the Local Government Code, and other relevant laws.”

The members of the panel are Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Roberto Lao, Assistant State Prosecutors Olivia Torrevillas and Ma. Cristina Barot, and State Counsels Margarette Robles, Consuelo Corazon Pazziuagan and Dioxenos Sulit.

Malacañang reacted yesterday, saying no one will be spared or shielded in the government’s commitment to pursue justice over the Kentex inferno.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. recognized that the filing of charges against Mayor Gatchalian, an administration ally, fire officials and Kentex owners is “concrete proof ” of compliance with President Aquino’s order to hold accountable those involved in the tragedy. (With a report from Genalyn D. Kabiling)

Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora and several key members of the House minority bloc are indeed “cooperating” with the Malacañang-backed majority coalition but the alliance is factored only in ensuring the swift and smooth passage of pet measures of the Aquino administration and the block of legislative actions averse to it.

This was underscored yesterday by a senior administration congressman in reaction to accusations that Zamora and several more in the minority bloc have set up a “company union” that has an underground pact of cooperation with the majority, led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

“Anyway, the Makabayan congressmen are the ones acting as fiscalizers within the minority bloc,” the solon who requested anonymity said.

Earlier, Representatives Lito Atienza (Buhay Party-list) and Jonathan de la Cruz (Abakada Partylist) were among those who pointed out the “totally different character” than what is expected of the political opposition.

Political observers also noted that despite belonging to the minority bloc, Zamora’s group and the Makabayan bloc have always been taking contradicting positions in many issues, with the latter usually backing the stand of the majority. Certain members of the minority bloc share the same view as Zamora’s leadership but have decided to “coast along,” than make moves that may weaken the opposition in the Chamber, an opposition lawmaker who requested anonymity, said.

“That’s the impression,” Atienza said.