Apostol denies influencing probe vs. governor on CICC controversy

CEBU, Philippines - Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol has denied allegations that he wants to clear Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of any liability on the alleged irregularities in the construction of the multi-million Cebu International Convention Center.

Earlier reports said Apostol had disagreed with the Final Evaluation Report prepared by the panel of investigators who looked into the transaction and, instead, allegedly wanted Garcia cleared of any liability. 

Sources, who asked not to be identified, said Apostol’s position on the issue allegedly has made investigators feel demoralized because Apostol allegedly asked them to “look for evidence that would clear the governor.”

But Apostol denied the allegations, saying he had not made any recommendation to clear the governor.

The investigating panel has reportedly found basis to elevate the fact-finding probe into a formal criminal and administrative complaint, the same sources revealed. However, instead of coming out with his own ruling, Apostol allegedly opted to elevate the matter to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in Manila.

The same sources said that Apostol was alone in his dissent, saying Ombudsman Director Carla Tanco and Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Santiago agreed to with the panel of investigators composed of Engr. Rod Blazo, Elmer Gutierrez and Joy Dacumos.

Santiago confirmed that she and Tanco signed the fact-finding report, an indication that they endorsed the findings. She, however, refused to comment on supposed direction Apostol allegedly wants the investigation to take.

The fact-finding investigation on the CICC controversy centered on the alleged procurement law violations Garcia committed when she oversaw the construction of the facility built to house some activities related to the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Summit held here in Cebu in 2007.

The Ombudsman opened an inquiry based on media reports, but the same was bolstered by a complaint filed by businessman Crisologo Saavedra who alleged that the project was overpriced because it was subjected to a “split bidding,” a process disallowed by Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Saavedra alleged it was the negotiated bidding that made the cost of the CICC skyrocket from the approved budget of P515 million.

The Capitol admitted that it spent P581 million for the CICC, but the figures were challenged when the contractor filed a suit claiming an additional P263,263,261.41 for the unpaid Feb. 21, 2007-billing for electrical and plumbing works and site development structural, civil and agricultural works.

The court granted the claim, but only for P257.4 million. Still, it placed the CICC cost at P838.4 million for the building alone. – Jasmin R. Uy/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)