Provincial Board to tackle Balili in special session

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board will conduct a special session next week to discuss the reports of the Ad Hoc Committee tasked to conduct the investigation into the purchase of the controversial Balili lot in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. informed members of the Provincial Board that his office received a letter from Visayas Ombudsman Virginia Palanca Santiago inquiring on the status of their investigation.

Aside from the Balili lot controversy, Sanchez also announced that his office received another letter from the Visayas Ombudsman regarding the coal ash issue.

Maambong said the letter of Santiago related to the issue of coal ash should be referred to the Office of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

However, the issue over the Balili lot controversy will be given immediate attention by the PB.

Sanchez said there is a need for them to further discuss the investigation.

PB member Joven Mondigo, chairman of the Ad Hoc committee, was not present in yesterday’s regular session.

Maambong said that the provincial board should discuss the report and agree on the next action to take based on the letter of Santiago.

The Office of the Visayas Ombudsman also conducted a separate investigation into the matter, but they need also the results of the investigation conducted by the PB.

The purchase of the Tinaan lot gained notoriety after it was discovered that a good part of the lot was underwater. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)