NIA board denies irregularities, but orders internal probe

MANILA, Philippines - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) board of directors yesterday denied there was massive corruption in the agency, as alleged by its own employees’ association.

In a statement, the NIA board described the accusations as “untrue, malicious and unfair,” but nevertheless directed the agency’s internal audit services to look into the allegations.  

The NIA board was reacting to a manifesto of the National Irrigation Administration Employees Association of the Philippines (NIAEAP) asking President Aquino to investigate alleged corruption in the agency amid reports of supposed irregularities in the bidding and implementation of irrigation projects and the board’s purported meddling in the work of NIA Administrator Claro Maranan.

In the letter-manifesto dated Feb. 6, a copy of which was furnished to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, the NIAEAP lamented what it described as “very serious and alarming developments” in the agency, contrary to the President’s “daang matuwid (straight path)” governance policy.

The manifesto was signed by NIAEAP national president Victorino Aron and national vice president Louella Mercado. It was read during a flag-raising ceremony at the NIA central office last Feb. 10.

NIA employees, wearing black armbands, held a lightning rally at the agency’s central office in Quezon City to protest the alleged corruption.

While denying the allegations, the NIA board said it is taking cognizance of the NIAEAP’s complaint and is taking steps to address the issue.

It said it is committed to implement needed reforms and adhere to the highest tenets of good governance at NIA.

The protesting employees alleged that a top official ordered the payment of 50 percent of the billing of a contractor who has a project in Sarangani province, even if the official is aware that the contractor has allegedly not accomplished anything yet.

“This practice is going on in other provinces and COA (Commission on Audit) records will support our claim,” the group said.

It added that another top official allegedly ordered the repackaging of projects from administration works to local minor contracts worth P105 million.

The NIAEAP also accused the NIA board of arbitrarily issuing policies that usurped the powers of Maranan by arrogating to itself the authority to approve the appointment of officials holding positions with salary Grade 24 and above.

NIAEAP officials asked the President to order a formal investigation, saying they are willing to furnish documents to support their allegations.