Guardo throws another expose against Cuenco

As the May election draws nearer, sportsman Jonathan Guardo threw another expose against city south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco, this time over the alleged overpricing in the purchase of 20 multicab units.

Two weeks ago, Guardo accused Cuenco of indirectly campaigning by distributing barangay tanod uniforms with "Cuenco District" marking.

In a press conference yesterday, Guardo presented documents signed by Regan King, general manager of RDAK Transport Equipment, a letter from Cuenco to Quiot barangay captain Vicente Ramos, and certification from the Department of Budget and Management over the purchase of the vehicles.

"Klaro kaayo nga binuang ug angayan susihon gyud ni sa Ombudsman ug COA (Commission on Audit). Obvious kaayo nga dunay overpricing aning mga units," Guardo said.

In his certification to Ramos dated November 4, 2006, King said each unit of the 20 Chariot Suzuki vehicles amounted to P300,000 each.

Guardo's lawyer, Salvador Solima, also said the multicabs were delivered even without any bidding.

"Kinahanlang man gyud ang bidding ani. Unya sa presyo niini nga P300,000 each imposible kaayo tuohan. Nakakuha sab mi og certification gikan sa Department of Budget and Management nga P7.5 million ang budget. Unya asa na diay ang P1.5 million," Solima said.

Cuenco had allotted P6 million to Quiot from his Priority Assistance Development Fund. The 20 multicabs will be used by barangays in south district.

"RDAK transport, the manufacturer and sole distributor of Chariot Kingcab vehicles, will make arrangements with you (Capt. Ramos), subject to COA rules and regulations and my final approval," Cuenco said in his letter to Ramos dated December 23, 2006.

For his part, Cuenco welcomed any inquiry or complaint that would be filed by Guardo. He admitted that there should be a bidding for the vehicles, but that it should be initiated by barangay Ouiot as it is the beneficiary of the project.

Cuenco also said they are now negotiating to lower the price of the multicabs.

DBM regional director Carmela Fernan confirmed the release of the P7.5 million upon the initiative of Cuenco as part of his PDAF. - Ramil V. Ayuman