CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama welcomed the filing of a case in court against him and former city treasurer Ofelia Oliva in connection with the city's failure to pay its financial obligation to a catering firm amounting to P5.2 million.
Rama said it is a welcome development because it would now be left up to the court to decide whether the Commission on Audit was right in its decision that disallowed the emergency purchase of food for those who served during the 2010 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
According to the mayor, he and Oliva are ready to face the case. In fact, Rama said that had it not because of the COA ruling, his personal stand is for the city government to pay the Red Carpet Catering Services Inc.
The state auditors earlier declared that the city officials erred in entering into an emergency food purchase with the Red Carpet Catering Services. State auditors explained that the City Hall officials should not enter into an emergency purchase of food because they already know the dates of the elections ahead of time.
The state auditors said that the city government should have submitted the food purchase to a formal bidding.
Rama said the state auditors are also looking for some supporting documents like the names and signatures of those persons who ate the food. "Lisura ana uy, tawgon pa diay nato nga uy! Balik ngari, pirma usa diri! (That's very difficult because we cannot call all those who have eaten the food to come back and sign)."
At least P5,208,600 worth of packed meals were delivered on October 23, 24 and 25, 2010. These were distributed to all members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), City Hall officials and personnel including policemen who were deployed to maintain peace and order in the voting centers.
The management of Red Carpet Catering Services said they have decided to file the case in court after the City Hall officials refused to pay its obligation.
The food caterer also asked the court to direct the city government to pay the interest of 12 percent per annum since October 2010 until the amount is fully paid. (FREEMAN)