Provincial Board halts probe into Balili issue

CEBU, Philippines - The adhoc committee of the provincial board yesterday terminated its investigation into the controversial Balili transaction subject to three conditions that will ensure that even if they already cease from investigating, the committee will still be able to come up with a comprehensive recommendation for curative measures in the legislative department of the Provincial Government of Cebu.

The conditions include the compelling of provincial budget officer Emmie Gingoyon to execute an affidavit relative to the transaction as he was one of the signatories in the obligation request.

Gingoyon reportedly refused to execute an affidavit despite the request of the secretariat of the Adhoc committee. The committee secretariat reported yesterday that Gingoyon decline to issue a sworn statement, saying “wa koy labot ana.”

The members of the committee agreed to reiterate their request to Gingoyon and to make him understand that his affidavit is important for their recommendation later on.

Another condition agreed by the members of the Adhoc committee is to gather all the affidavits and other documentary evidence and to have it marked next week as their exhibits.

The committee also included as among the three conditions before terminating their investigation the adoption of the evidence and other documents gathered by the review committee headed by National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Medardo De Lemos.

Board Member Peter John Calderon moved that the evidence gathered by the NBI should form part of whatever recommendations that they will soon come up.

PB member Victor Maambong however said he has already started making his own recommendation based on the several hearings that they have conducted. Although he refused to reveal his initial recommendations yet, but he said that based on what they have gathered there are at least three to four provincial officials whom he found to be either negligent or have undue interest in the transaction.

According to him, there are evidence to prove that one of these officials have ensured that the transaction is hasten by constantly making a follow-up. Although, Maambong admitted that his own recommendation might not be adopted by the other members of the committee.

He also called on the tax payers, civic organizations and the media especially the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas or KBP to help them pressure the representatives of the Balili estate to render and accounting, through the court, the amount paid by the province. — Fred P. Languido/WAB  (FREEMAN NEWS)