Palace urged: Probe Apostol

CEBU, Philippines - Self-proclaimed anti-graft crusader Crisologo Saavedra has accused Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol of malversation of government property, abuse of authority, neglect of duty and grave misconduct before the Office of the President.

Saavedra asked President Benigno Aquino III and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to investigate and file appropriate criminal and administrative charges against Apostol.

According to Saavedra, Apostol was issued with a government vehicle when he was yet the Assistant Ombudsman for the Preliminary Investigation, Administrative Adjudication and Monitoring Office.

Apostol reported the vehicle to have been missing on January 3, 2007 while it was parked in front of his residence in Caloocan City. But contrary to his claim talks were rife that the vehicle was actually not stolen.

Apostol requested to be relieved of his accountability of the vehicle on January 10, 2007 from the Commission on Audit. But COA ordered him to pay P93,253 instead.

Saavedra accused Apostol of protecting some officials of the Cebu provincial government in connection with the construction of the controversial Cebu International Convention Center in 2007.

In fact, Apostol allegedly instructed graft investigators handling the CICC case to ensure that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is exonerated.

Apostol also reversed a decision of the graft investigator that has recommended for affirmative action on the request for cease and desist order in the implementation of the Instrument Landing System / Distance Measuring Equipment (ILS/DME) of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Apostol’s recommendation to Gutierrez for the disapproval of the decision was allegedly done to protect Garcia who is also a member of the MCIAA Board.

“The people in Central Visayas has no more protector to protect them from corrupt government officials because the decision of the Deputy Ombudsman Atty. Pelagio S. Apostol is for sale to political patronage,” Saavedra said.

Saavedra asked that a preventive suspension will be imposed against Apostol and to replace him with a “reputable and honest deputy ombudsman for the Visayas without delay to repair the damage done.” — (FREEMAN)