Bohol PB defers action on complaint vs. NIA-7 director

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The Bohol Provincial Board has decided to defer action, in aid-of-legislation, on graft and corruption and nepotism complaints filed by a non-government organization against National Irrigation Administration-Region 7 director Modesto Membreve.

In its committee report, PB Member Gerardo Garcia, chairman of the public accountability committee that handled the complaint, said his panel agreed that any action on the complaints has to be deferred because the case has already been filed at the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

The PB, in its latest session, adopted the report of the committee, which is also composed of PB Members Dionisio Balite, vice chair, and Abeleon Damalerio, member. The report however did not say when it is going to act on the complaint, but it vowed to continue as "watchdog to any complaints, grievances and concerns involving any office, employees and public personalities in the province of Bohol."

The committee on public accountability was created by the PB to act on complaints against non-elective officials and employees in government service, while the committee on good government has been tasked to act on sworn complaints lodged against elective local officials.

The complainant against Membreve was the group, Boholano Against Corruption, Oppression and Social Harassment (BACOSH), represented by Engr. Petronilo Sarigumba, a former NIA official himself, who alleged that Membreve committed nepotism by hiring relatives to the agency.

Sarigumba and others in BACOSH asked the Ombudsman to suspend Membreve for violation of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. They also asked the Ombudsman to conduct a thorough investigation on the alleged anomalies of Membreve in office.

Membreve fired back at Sarigumba and MD Biliran Construction, represented by the latter, by filing a civil case at a trial court in Quezon City for alleged failure to honor an agreement concerning "sum of money and damages."

In his 4-page complaint, Membreve asked the court to order the construction firm and Sarigumba "to pay the sum of P246,973.10 and liquidated damages in the amount of P24,697.29, plus charges, accrued interest, collection charges, service and handling fees."

Membreve alleged that the defendants "failed to pay the obligation" in assuming the responsibility of the irrigator's association's 10 percent equity share to the project. (FREEMAN)