Halt of CICC changes sought

Businessman Crisologo Saavedra has filed an urgent motion asking the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to stop the provincial government from its plan to reconfigure the Cebu International Convention Center, saying it is an attempt to destroy evidence.

Saavedra earlier charged Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez and several other provincial officials with plunder because of alleged overpricing in the construction of the CICC.

The construction of the CICC, which was used as the main venue in the 12th ASEAN Summit last January, is currently subject to an investigation by the anti-graft body.

Garcia has already ordered a halt to the marketing of the CICC until after it is configured to cater to exhibits.  Saavedra attached in his motion newspaper reports showing the governor made the order upon recommendation of the Philippine Exports and Theme parks Corporation or PETCO.

PETCO is managing the CICC on a temporary basis.

Saavedra is also asking ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to issue a cease and desist order on the release of the payment of the P261 million to WT Construction that built the CICC.

According to Saavedra, he was told that the P261 million collectibles of the contractor was not released yet.  Saavedra earlier questioned the billing because it was not allegedly included in the budget approved by the Provincial Board.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft office denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the suppliers of the alleged overpriced decorative lampposts on the order freezing the payments for the project.

Gutierrez ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Budget and Management last March 16 to hold the payment of the project pending the resolution of the case now pending before the Ombudsman-Visayas.

She said that she deemed it proper to uphold her earlier decision.

“Let it be stressed anew that the Ombudsman can direct any officer of the government to stop and prevent any impropriety in public office,” Gutierrez said.

Fabmik Construction and Equipment Company and Gampik Construction and Development, Inc. earlier moved for the reconsideration of the order claiming that it was in violation of the law considering that the mandatory requirement for bearing was never complied with.  Gampik also alleged that the cease and desist order does not cover the other projects that were distinct from the supply and installation of lampposts and street lighting facilities.

The two companies supplied the alleged overpriced decorative lampposts and street lighting facilities in the cities of Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu during the summit.

The controversy led to the six-month preventive suspension of former Mandaue City mayor Thadeo Ouano and reelected Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and several DPWH officials including the regional director and his assistants.

DPWH officials are still serving their suspensions until now while Radaza’s suspension was cut short following his reelection.— Fred P. Languido/BRP