Saavedra resumes foray versus Garcia

CEBU, Philippines - Self-proclaimed anti-graft crusader Crisologo Saavedra Jr. yesterday resumed his foray against Cebu third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia by asking the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to look into the alleged anomalous contract entered into by Garcia with the Kepco-SPC Power Corporation during her term as governor.

Saavedra urged the anti-graft body to investigate Garcia and Kepco-SPC for allegedly entering into a contract grossly disadvantageous to the government.

He also asked Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Mapale to do a parallel investigation.

Saavedra alleged that Garcia tolerated Kepco-SPC’s violations in the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate because of her interest to use the controversial Balili property in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

He accused Garcia of committing neglect of duty when she did not require Kepco-SPC to provide the landfill facilities in the construction of the power plant and did not cause the cancellation of its ECC despite violations.

Saavedra said that Garcia entered into a series of contracts with Kepco-SPC to cover up violations of environmental laws using her position  as governor and gave questionable favors to the company.

The contracts include the use of the controversial Balili property and other related agreements making the provincial government as KSPC’s ash disposal contractor.

Garcia allegedly purchased the Balili property to accommodate the landfill deficiency requirement of Kepco which case is now pending before the Sandiganbayan.

Saavedra earlier filed cases before the Ombudsman on the alleged anomalous purchase of the Balili property in Tinaan, Naga; alleged overpriced lampposts during the ASEAN Summit, alleged anomalous construction of the Cebu International Convention Center, among others.  (FREEMAN)