Ombudsman affirms raps vs ex-Cebu gov, 11 execs
The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed the filing of graft charges against former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia and 11 other provincial officials over the construction of the P830-million Cebu International Convention Center in 2006.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered yesterday the filing of 11 counts of graft against Garcia as well as bids and awards committee members Eduardo Habin, Roy Salubre, Cristina Gianco, Adolfo Quiroga, Necias Vicoy Jr., Emme Gingoyon, Glenn Baricuatro, Bernard Calderon, Marino Martinquilla and Eulogio Pelayre.
W. T. Construction Inc. (WTCI) vice president Willy Te was included in the charge sheet.
In an eight-page joint order, the ombudsman said resorting to alternative methods of procurement and award of contracts violates Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
WTCI was given “unwarranted benefits” that caused undue injury to the government in the amount of at least P257,413,911.73 when Garcia allowed the company to perform additional works without an appropriation, contract and public bidding, the order stated.
Garcia’s claim that the charges are politically motivated is baseless, Morales said in dismissing the former governor’s motion for reconsideration on its resolution issued on March 31.
“This office, as a dispenser of justice, ensures that justice is meted out objectively, without fear or favor, and that the cases are decided based on the evidence, not on motives, personalities or political affiliation,” Morales declared.
In its earlier ruling, the ombudsman said the respondents resorted to an illegal procurement when they awarded without public bidding the contracts amounting to P16.8 million for architectural and engineering design; P307 million, for structural steel; P59 million, adjacent and contiguous works; P7.5 million, cladding; P1.8 million, structural cabling system; P3.6 million, fire protection and sprinkler system; P3.4 million, glass works, and P26.5 million, air-conditioning system.