Garcia receives evaluation report on CICC only yesterday

CEBU, Philippines - A consolidated evaluation report of the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas dismissing a complaint related to the controversial Cebu International Convention Center dated May 10, 2007 was only received by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday.

Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni approved the report on June 11, 2010. However, Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Pelagio Apostol said it was not the main case of CICC but a related one.

Apostol said the main case is still pending before the Ombudsman in Manila for evaluation whether it will be approved or disapproved. He said he was not a deputy ombudsman at the time of investigation as it was dated May 10, 2007.

The anti-graft office terminated the complaint filed by businessman Crisologo Saavedra after he admitted that he has made “an honest mistake” and withdrew his request for investigation against Garcia.

“Wherefore, in view thereof and with the evident loss of interest of the complainant in pursuing his complaint having realized the futility thereof, the above-numbered cases should be considered closed and terminated,” the disposition clause said.

Garcia and all members of bids and awards committee of the provincial government are charged administratively for allegedly awarding a contract to relatives. (FREEMAN)