Probe on Cruz continues

CEBU, Philippines - Investigation continues on the photo of Cebu City building administrator Engr. Emilio Cruz in his office with some bottles of beer and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s chief of staff, Phillip Zafra, asks those who have additional information on the matter to coordinate with them.

Zafra was informed yesterday that there is another picture of Cruz that was sent to a councilor’s office. This, according to sources, could widen the scope of the probe on Cruz.

The photo was provided by security guards assigned in City Hall from the Care Best International Security Services Inc. but they did not mention who took the picture.

The picture was circulated to reporters and was brought to the attention of Mayor Rama and other officials. Cruz confirmed it was him but clarified that it was during the party after Mayor Michael Rama’s state of the city address last July 1.

Mayor Rama said that they do not tolerate drinking inside the City Hall premises but special occasions like Christmas parties can be an exemption.

But in an interview with the security guards, they said the particular photo in question was not taken during the inauguration and they have submitted another picture to the office of a city councilor showing a picture of Cruz wearing a different shirt during the state of the city address.

Zafra said though that it should be submitted to the people investigating the issue.

Also, Zafra said they need to look on this closely since they are questioning why the picture was released only now, months after it was taken.

Cruz said this might be in retaliation because he just reported four security guards from the said security agency that he caught sleeping on duty. — (FREEMAN)