Apostol says lamppost probe terminated

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas already terminated its investigation on the controversial lampposts in major routes in Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City, according to Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol.

Yesterday, Apostol told the media that the issue of lampposts is already beyond their jurisdiction as it is already in Manila.

“We are done…In fact some people from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were not even suspended but dismissed,” he said.

Also, Apostol responded to the statement of Lapu-Lapu City Representative Arturo Radaza who asked for the inhibition of Assistant Deputy Ombudsman Virginia Santiago from the investigation on the lampposts.

Apostol said if they ask for inhibition it should be against him and not Santiago.

“Santiago’s task is to review while the final action is with me,” he said, adding that it is he who will approve or disapprove the recommendation.

Apostol said if Radaza will file a motion for inhibition he should address it to Manila as they have no longer jurisdiction of the case.

Earlier, the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Lapu-Lapu City passed a resolution urging the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue the investigation of the lamppost controversy.

They claimed that several local officials have been charged but no formal investigation was conducted against those from the public works department.

However, according to Apostol, their office investigated the Department of Public Works and Highways officials who had participation in the purchase, acquisition and or implementation of the said project.

He said there were even officials from DPWH who were dismissed from service.  (FREEMAN)