SRP launch: Fernandez wants to answer charges before Ombudsman

CEBU, Philippines – Former Cebu City Administrator Francisco Fernandez is willing to face the Office of the Ombudsman to answer the allegations against the controversial launch of the South Road Properties last May 8.

Fernandez made his intention known after the Ombudsman sent a notice to City Administrator Jose Mari Poblete for him to certify whether the launch was purely an event of the city or - considering it was held two days before the May 10 polls - was also an event that benefited the Bando Osmeña - Pundok Kauswagan, the group of former mayor Tomas Osmeña and Mayor Michael Rama.

However, considering that Poblete only assumed office last month, he explained he cannot participate in the investigation directly because he has no full knowledge about the activity. Poblete was the secretary of the City Council at that time.

"Of course I will assume command responsibility atong hitabo-a. It was really a launching so everybody was invited," Fernandez said.

"I will be very happy to answer on behalf of the city government. Dili fair nga si Poblete mao'y manubag because he is not yet a city administrator at that time. I am ready to answer for all the actuations nahitabo sa launching," he added.

Fernandez asked the office of the Ombudsman to allow his participation since he was part of the planning and facilitating of the event.

Rodolfo Pepito and Peter Onde Pepito of barangay Carreta, Fletcher Pinatil of barangay Camputhaw and Leonardo Abarquez of barangay Bulacao have questioned the launch before the Ombudsman and claimed the activities were designed to promote the candidates of BOPK using people's money.

The city shouldered a little more than half of the P2 million that was spent for the launch while the rest was covered by funds from sponsors and by Osmeña himself.

Fernandez said they allotted P1 million for the barbecue meal of some 40,000 urban poor but only P900,000 was eventually spent.

The former mayor reportedly paid for the P1 million for the concert and the band while Pyroworks and other private sponsors took care of the fireworks show.

"Tanan gasto was properly bidded out. Wala gyud to'y irregular and it was not a partisan activity because then, all political parties were welcome. N'ya dili man ta in control og duna'y pagpapilit og streamer, tarpaulins. In fact dili ra man to BOPK streamer ang naa, nakahinumdom ko nga duna to'y streamer ni Loren," Fernandez said.

He added that no less than Filinvest Land Inc., one of the biggest investors at the SRP, had requested for the launch to coincide with its ground breaking ceremony during that time.

"Originally nag-request ana is the Filinvest. The request was made long time ago. That is because they (Filinvest) need public relations, they need customers, more on they need investors. And we granted the request to show we are serious," Fernandez said. (THE FREEMAN)