Ombuds asked: Probe MCIAA official’s wealth

CEBU, Philippines — Anti-graft crusader Crisologo Saavedra Jr. is asking the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to investigate an official of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) over alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Saavedra accused Engr. Achilles Ponce, officer-in-charge of the MCIAA engineering department, of committing dishonesty and grave misconduct for not properly declaring his assets, amassed properties and multiple families and children with a monthly salary of about P40,000 per month.

“He acquired properties through loans, how could he honestly support his too many families with a salary of P35,000 to P40,000 per month and still pay the monthly dues for the loan of his house and lot and two cars,” said Saavedra.

Saavedra claimed that as a taxpayer he went to Camugao, Pinamungajan with two companions from MCIAA to conduct a confidential investigation last January 3, 2018 on Ponce’s alleged illegal wealth and assets.

“All the neighbors within the vicinity of his house have testified that Ponce is the owner of the house in question in Camugao,” Saavedra said.

Ponce, however, challenged Saavedra to prove that he owns the alleged house in Pinamungajan saying that the house and lot cited by Saavedra belongs to his girlfriend.

Ponce also denied any irregularities in the performance of his job, saying he owns ASAP Engineering Services, which he established in 2004 which gives him additional income apart from his monthly salary as a licensed engineer.

Saavedra cited that Ponce did not declare in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for 2015 that he owns a house and lot in Camugao, Pinamungajan worth around P10 million.

He said Ponce refused to indicate his named in the building permit because he is aware that he will be charged in court.

“The undersigned is urgently requesting for immediate investigation and cases to be filed in court and to implement a preventive suspension to protect the integrity of the investigation,” Saavedra said.

Ponce, on the other hand, said he will properly answer the allegations once he is asked by the Ombudsman to submit his reply. (FREEMAN)