Saavedra pushes for Gwen’s suspension

CEBU, Philippines - Businessman Crisologo Saavedra is pushing for Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s preventive suspension in relation to the anti-graft case filed before the Sandiganbayan because of the development made in the controversial Balili Property.

In his motion, Saavedra highlighted the alleged reclamation made in the controversial Balili Property in Tinaan, Naga City, Cebu.

Saavedra filed a motion before the Sandiganbayan seeking the mandatory preventive suspension for all of the accused and to proceed with the arraignment and trial.

“Whereas, notwithstanding the existence and/or thrust of the provision governing preventive suspension, accused are still in liberty to perform and/or introduce acts aimed at distorting the pieces of evidence needed in the prosecution of the cases against them,” the motion reads.

As proof, he said the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Cebu discovered that “multi-million reclamation/land filling activities” was implemented in the said property without the alleged permission from them.

Saavedra added that during the ocular inspection made by the SP, it was confirmed that part of the Balili Property is already reclaimed with the provincial government reportedly spending P27 million for the alleged restoration.

In order to stop them, Saavedra sought for a mandatory suspension.

“Thus, in order to restrain the accused from further committing acts of malfeasance or acts tending to destroy and/or distort the evidence at hand, there is a need to immediately implement the mandatory suspension provided under Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 or the anti-graft and corrupt practices act,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saavedra said the Information (charge sheet) filed before the Sandiganbayan was “perfectly valid and sufficient” contrary to the claim of the accused.

He likewise averred that the delay in resolving the motion for reconsideration and the arraignment of the accused was intentionally done in order for them not to be suspended.

“With all due respect, the delay has led to uncontrollable suspicion already that the same was intentionally made so that accused and her cohorts and/or accomplices will not be preventively suspended from office,” the motion reads.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol told the media that there was no feedback yet from Ombudsman Conchita  Carpio-Morales in relation to  the developments made in the controversial Balili Property.

“Naghihintay pa tayo, (We are still waiting.)” he said.

The case stemmed from the provincial government’s purchase of the said property for P98.9 million in 2008. Garcia entered an agreement with the Balilis to buy a portion of the Balili Estate in Naga, Cebu, with an area of 24.9 hectares.

However, at least 19 hectares of the land was submerged.

The Office of the Ombudsman charged Garcia for two counts of anti-graft and one count of illegal use of public funds for the purchase of the Balili property because of the submerged area.

Other accused namely: Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo; Anthony Sususco, chairman of the Cebu Provincial Appraisal Committee and provincial assessor in 2008; CPAC members Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre and Provincial  Engineer Eulogio Pelayre; Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon, and land owners Amparo and Romeo Balili.

But Garcia’s counsels strongly believe that politics is behind Saavedra’s latest move.

Garcia’s daughter, lawyer Christina Frasco, said that Saavedra has no personality to file that motion because the case is now being handled by the Special Prosecutor.

“From Mr. Saavedra and those behind his ill-advised moves, we see a blatant disregard of the law for the sake of obviously political intentions.

Lawyer Lito Astillero supported the claim of his co-counsel saying that the motion filed by Saavedra is clearly an act of desperation as per instruction of his political patrons.

“This is clearly designed to silence the governor because as you can see the campaign of One Cebu is going smoothly and they have launched a very systematic campaign and people are really flocking to hear her speeches,” Astillero told reporters.

Garcia’s lawyers have yet to receive the copy of the motion filed by Saavedra.

Once received, Astillero said they will submit their reply or comment on that motion as a matter of procedure. —/MIT (FREEMAN)