PB to 'grill' four Capitol officials today

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board is set to grill this afternoon four Capitol department heads over the alleged misuse of provincial funds.

Invited to appear before the PB session are provincial budget officer Emme Gingoyon, provincial accountant Emmanuel Guial, provincial treasurer Roy Salubre and planning and development officer, Engr. Adolfo Quiroga.

It was PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy who sponsored the resolution requesting the officials to shed light on the reported allegations.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia allegedly used public funds without the consent of the Board.

Sitoy cited Garcia’s decision to extend millions of financial assistance to calamity-stricken provinces earlier questioned by the Commission on Audit.

Other expenditure involved is the restoration of Balili property amounting to P27 million without the concurrence of the board.

He said that the veracity of the reports can be validated by the testimonies of the said officials.

“The validation of the allegations would help the Sangguniang Panlalawigan formulate guidelines in the evaluation of the budget for 2013,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy said that the validation of the allegations would also put life and blood into the universal call for good governance which is participatory, accountability, responsibility and transparency in all features of policy making including budget deliberation.

Sitoy earlier raised in his privilege speech the issue of alleged inaction of the body over matters involving provincial funds spent by the executive department.

He clarified that the invitation of the four department heads is in aid of legislation and no one will be prosecuted.

Sitoy’s move came after he gained more allies in the Board from being a lone opposition and a member of the Liberal Party.

With him now are Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Board Members Thaddeus Jude Sybico, Peter John Calderon, Wilfredo Caminero, Thadeo Ouano, Carmen Remedios Meca and Alladin Wilyamie Ca-minero.(FREEMAN)