Ombuds inspects Balili lot

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Visayas Ombudsman made an ocular inspection in the controversial Balili Property in Tinaan, Naga City early this week.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said the investigators have already gathered information and they have one month to submit their report.

Apostol added the findings of the ocular inspection will be the basis if there is a need to proceed with the preliminary investigation.

Earlier, vice governor and now Acting Governor Agnes Magpale, gubernatorial candidate Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy filed complaints against suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia because of the ongoing reclamation works in the property.

In their complaint, Magpale and Sitoy asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to suspend Garcia while the complaints of malversation and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act are still pending for investigation.

“We pray for an early investigation  hereof,  and the eventual dismissal of Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia from the service. We also pray for her preventive suspension pending investigation hereof,” the complaint reads.

Magpale and Sitoy also made an ocular inspection on November 21, 2012 before they filed the complaint.

They said Garcia “maliciously and unlawfully does some reclamation work on the area described as submerged in sea water and as mangrove area.”

They also questioned the funds used for the alleged reclamation saying Garcia was not authorized by the Provincial Board to spend government funds for the development.

 â€œGovernor Garcia, in her so-called restoration work has violated the anti-graft and corrupt practices act, more particularly Section 3(e) and (g) thereof,” the complaint further states.

Magpale and Sitoy also accused Garcia of obstructing justice for allegedly tampering the physical evidence at the Balili property.

Garcia is facing two counts of graft and one count of technical malversation before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the purchase of the Balili lot.

Davide also filed criminal and administrative complaints against Garcia, former Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre, Supreme ABF Construction and Construction Supply Company president and general manager Bernabe Gilbor over the development made at the Balili property.

He said Garcia violated the law considering she was not authorized by the PB to develop the property.The development cost P27 million.

Garcia had denied earlier the claims that the budget for the development at the Balili property did not go through the board.

As evidence, she showed the annual budget, which was approved by the board, that includes site developments, infrastructure and developments of airports and seaports.

She said the budget for the Balili development was included in the approved appropriations. —/MBG (FREEMAN)