Update of probe into defects of legislative building sought

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has asked Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. to update them of his investigation into the alleged structural defects of the Cebu Provincial Legislative Building.

But during yesterday’s session, Sanchez appeared to be unaware of the so-called investigation when Provincial Board member Joven Mondigo informed him about the letter he received from the anti-graft office dated last July 2.

“This is our third tracer letter and we wish to call your attention that until now after the lapse of more than 90 days, you have not communicated with us regarding the status of your investigation on the said complaint. In this connection, we would like to remind you of the provision of Section 26 (4) of R.A. 6770 otherwise known as the Ombudsman Act that any delay or refusal to comply with the referral or directive of the Ombudsman or any of his deputies, shall constitute a ground for administrative disciplinary action against the officer or employee to whom it was addressed,” the letter read.

Mondigo received the letter being the PB chairman on the committee on complaints and grievances, but he said he has no knowledge regarding the matter itself.

Attached to the recent letter were the three other letters dated October 15, 2007, Jan. 21, 2008 and April 22, 2008 wherein the Ombudsman informed the vice governor that Mandaue City resident Amado Gochoco sought again the assistance of their office regarding his request for investigation on Peter Madera, the former provincial engineer on the alleged leaking, widening cracks and other defects of the legislative building.

The October 15, 2007 letter added that the complaint was already the subject of a previous request filed by Gochoco, wherein in a conference held before the Ombudsman on February 7, 2006, board member Raul Bacaltos handed Gochoco a copy of the report from the committee on complaints and investigation.   Bacaltos is no longer a Provincial Board member and his chairmanship is now held by Mondigo who said yesterday that they have not received any copy of the complaint filed by Gochoco.

Baffled by the complaint, the Provincial Board members have agreed to ask for a copy of Gochoco’s complaint and a committee will be formed to investigate it.

PB member Juan Bolo said that while it is true that some tiles in the legislative building are already damaged, these were already repaired at the expense of the provincial government.  Sanchez said that the P60-million legislative building has not yet been turned over to the provincial government since it was completed a few years ago and the provincial government may be held liable for such repairs.

“Since the building is not yet turned over to the provincial government, it is the responsibility of the contractor to repair it.  Isn’t it that it has putting us all in a questionable actions?” said Sanchez, who added that even the roof of his office is leaking.

Reports however said that although the building was not yet turnover to the provincial government, repairs on the damaged parts is taken from the contractor’s performance bond.  — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP