Also over CICC neglect: Gwen sues Davide

CEBU, Philippines - After a lawyer sued him over the controversial Cebu International Convention Center, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is facing another case regarding the same facility.

This time it was former Cebu governor and now Congresswoman Gwendolyn Garcia who sued Davide before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

In her 12-page complaint, Garcia alleged Davide violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and administrative complaints for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming a public officer, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and oppression for allegedly abandoning the CICC.

“After being destroyed by two major calamities that affected the greater part of the Visayas in the year 2013, i.e., the magnitude 7.2 earthquake of October 15 and super typhoon Yolanda on November 8, both of which made international headlines, the CICC not only sits idle amidst its unkempt surroundings, but it remains damaged, left to disrepair and rot.”

“Sadly, no less than the Provincial Govern-ment, led by respondent Governor, has allowed this present state of the CICC not only to continue, but also to worsen,” read the complaint-affidavit.

Garcia filed the said complaints on November 18, 2015 in the afternoon, hours after lawyer Ervin Estandarte, a resident of Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City, filed the complaint against Davide and members of the Provincial Board for allegedly neglecting and abandoning the CICC.

It was Garcia who caused the construction of the CICC in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City.

Historical Monument

Garcia said the CICC was one of the “most significant modern-day historical monuments of the Cebuanos” because it served as venue for the 12th ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in 2007 that Cebu hosted.

She added the creation of the CICC signaled to the whole world that Cebu is capable of holding international conventions.

“…it signaled to the entire world that Cebu was capable of hosting international conventions, conferences and forums. Simultaneous to these events was an exhibit by the local furniture industry in various rooms inside the CICC, which is said to have tremendously helped the small and medium furniture enterprises not only by bringing the international market to them, but by making them globally competitive,” the complaint read, adding the CICC likewise hosts different events that benefited the entire province.

Garcia said Davide earlier requested the Office of the Ombudsman to repair the CICC which the office allowed.

Garcia, however, said the actions of Davide were contrary to his statement during his second State of the Province Address last August 19, when he allegedly said “the repair of the CICC was never his priority.”

When the “Never Again” banner appeared at the CICC, Davide allegedly denied any knowledge about it.

“When asked about who was responsible for placing that banner, respondent (Davide) initially feigned ignorance, but nevertheless declared that he will not order its removal because it is part of the freedom of speech of the culprits, alluding to the CICC as a monument of corruption,” the complaint read.

Garcia said being the local chief executive Davide is duty-bound to protect the properties of the province, including the CICC.

“Respondent’s obstinate refusal to repair the CICC screams loudly of a deliberate, purposeful and malicious neglect of his duty to protect a historical property of the Province that should also make him administratively liable for gross neglect of duty,” she said.

“Bring it on,” was all Davide would say to the new charges against him. —  /BRP (FREEMAN)