CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is facing another complaint before the Ombudsman for allegedly abandoning the controversial Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Through Manila based lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia, the Pundok sa mga Kabus Homeowners Association, Inc., sued Davide for allegedly violating the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and oppression.
“By allowing the Convention Center to rot and cease being a venue for economic activities, turning a blind eye to the plight of the poor Cebuanos, especially us Mandauehanons, and even adding insult to injury by allowing the offensive political banners to be placed at the face of the CICC, respondent is surely guilty of grave misconduct and oppression,” reads the group’s complaint-affidavit.
In 2013, the CICC was damaged by typhoon Yolanda and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Central Visayas.
“…in connection with respondent’s (Davide) neglect and destruction of a historical structure that is located within our beloved city, the CICC, which used to generate income and livelihood for us Mandauehanons, but is now left to disrepair and is severely deteriorating,” said the group, represented by its president, Marisa Mondejar.
Its members, all residents of Mandaue City, include Mary Gekin, Karen Sanchez, Melagrosalyn Abadejas, Gemma Corcelles, Nimfa Lantafe, Iranio Villaceran, Ofelia Betorico, Bani Monica, Maripaz Abad, and Rebecca Ebarita.
The group said that since the CICC was used for several events, it did not only benefit the local government unit but the group’s members, as well, who sold food, beverages, and souvenir items to visitors. Even tricycle drivers reportedly benefitted from the events held at the center.
The CICC was built in 2006 during the term of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia to house events for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here in 2007. It was, however, left idle when Davide won as governor and he was quoted as saying the CICC is not among his administration’s priorities.
The group also slammed Davide for allowing the “Never Again…P840,202,438.05 Million of People’s Money Wasted” to be put up on the CICC’s façade.
The banner has been taken down, but the group said the damage has been done.
The group’s complaint is the third filed against Davide in line with the CICC.
The first lawyer was filed by lawyer Ervin Estandarte, a resident of Pagsabungan, Mandaue City who accused the governor of neglecting and abandoning the CICC. Estandarte alleged Davide and the provincial board failed to restore the CICC to its original condition despite having the responsibility over the property as its custodians.
The second complaint was filed by Garcia who questioned Davide’s decision of not restoring the CICC.
‘Never Again’
Meanwhile, One Cebu vice gubernatorial candidate, former congressman Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, has described the mounting of Never Again banners as a desperate move against Garcia’s brother, Winston, who is running against Davide for governor.
“Wa na gyud sila’y isyu against Winston, kataw-anan pa gyud kay wa’y moangkon sa streamer,” Soon-Ruiz said.
Soon-Ruiz said the issues that One Cebu is raising against Davide are all valid and have just come out such as the deaths in district hospitals due to negligence by the medical staff and physician.
If elected vice governor, Soon-Ruiz, a physician by profession, would propose values reorientation of medical personnel of district hospitals.
“We will see to it to inculcate again the values of service,” she said.
Soon-Ruiz said she would introduce preventive measures not to repeat the recent incidents by making Barangay Health Workers equipped with the tools and trainings.
She also wants to make Barangay Health Centers open 24 hours, seven days a week. — (FREEMAN)