Saavedra seeks role in Sanchez' case vs. Garcia

CEBU, Philippines - Whistleblower Crisologo Saavedra yesterday asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to allow him to assist in the prosecution of the case that late vice governor Greg Sanchez filed against Governor Gwen Garcia in relation to the alleged illegal hiring of 19 consultants Sanchez earlier alleged that Garcia hired the consultants without authority from the Provincial Board.

Saavedra filed his motion for intervention before DILG-7 early yesterday morning hoping that DILG Special Investigator Spencer Palisok would give him a favorable ruling.

He said Sanchez’ daughters may have the intention to pursue the case, but they do not have “personal knowledge” of the issue and the lack thereof might only weaken the case. He said he has the right to be allowed to intervene in the case, considering that he filed a similar case before the Office of the President late last year.

Saavedra said he used to be Sanchez’s consultant and among his duties included, among others, bringing to Sanchez’ attention any act of corruption and other violations that affected the Provincial Board.

“It is respectfully prayed that herein intervenor be permitted to intervene in this action by filing a complaint in intervention,” Saavedra’s motion reads.

Sanchez filed the criminal and administrative complaints against Garcia before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas shortly before he died of cancer last month.

In a certificate issued in October 11, 2010, Provincial Board Secretary Anecita Pasaylo said her office has no record of any resolution passed by the Cebu Provincial Board authorizing Garcia to enter into contracts of some persons for consultancy services under the governor’s office.

Citing the Local Government Code, DILG7 Director Pedro Noval said “no contract may be entered into by the local chief executive on behalf of the local government unit without prior authorization by the Sangunian concerned.”

The Freeman learned that some of the 19 consultants that are subject of the complaint remain in active duty status.   - (THE FREEMAN)