Gwen willing to face Ombud inquiry

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is willing to face an investigation to be conducted by the Visayas Ombudsman on the P27 million financial assistance released to at least seven local government units hit by calamities.

 “Is that something new? Kita na man pod ta kung unsay dagan sa panahon. So, kita, we are very well aware, nga kanang tanang atong gihimo pinasikad gyud na sa eksakto nga proseso. So, gusto sila nga mo-reinvestigate, let them. But give us our day in court para makatubag ta, dili nga sila sila ra pod,” Garcia said. (We are very well aware that in everything we do, we follow proper procedure. If they want to investigate, let them.)

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said he will retrieve the media reports on Garcia’s release of Capitol funds as financial assistance to the other provinces and assess if they can already start with the investigation.

The anti-graft office is empowered to investigate based on media reports and even anonymous complaint.

Garcia said that she has submitted everything to the board including the authority issued for the purchase for the Balili property.

“That’s expected of them that they should examine,” she said.

The amount that Capitol released as financial assistance to the victims of calamities in other provinces was part of the P87 million calamity fund.

The recipients included the provinces of Albay and Ilocos Norte, the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete and Tanjay as well as the municipality of Valencia in Negros Oriental.

Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd District said that it has been cleared by the Commission on Audit (COA) that once there is a declaration of a state of calamity, this authorizes the governor to release a certain fund to help the victims of these calamities.

“Legally, wala ko kasa-bot sa ilang objection ana. Well, karon is the silly season of politics. Some silliness is bound to happen in this silly season of politics,” he said.

Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy raised the issue in a privilege speech earlier saying that the disbursements of the money did not have the approval of the board.

Provincial Secretary Anecita Pasaylo certified that the assistance given by Garcia was not discussed by the members of the board.

Garcia however said there was no need for the approval of the board because it was part of the 2011 budget previously approved by the legislative department.

Garcia said that the matter was also resolved with COA during their exit conference.

 “Kahibalo man ta nga ang ilang mga tinguha tu-ngod man na sa politika. Sa-una pasar man gyud na ang budget without any problem or hitch. Sa una, wala man gyud na silay objection. Pero karon kalit lang nga naay problema sa budget,”Pablo John said. (We know that politics is behind their moves. Before, the budget was passed without any problem or hitch. They never had objections. And now, suddenly, there is something wrong with the budget.) — Marigold P. Lebumfacil/MBG(FREEMANNEWS)