Ombuds includes CICC framework in its probe

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas included in its ongoing fact-finding investigation into the alleged anomalies in the construction of the Cebu International Convention Center the allegation that its framework was made of scrap iron.

Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Palanca Santiago said she has already instructed Engineer Roderick Blazo, the investigator in-charge of the fact-finding probe, to include in the investigation the reports from the newspaper quoting Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Early this week, Osmeña challenged the province to show receipts covering the purchase of materials for the CICC to prove that its framework was not made up of scrap metal.

According to Osmeña, talks about scrap iron being used to construct the CICC had been circulating for sometime already.

Santiago said it was the first time they heard such information. She said they docketed the information, which was based on newspaper reports, to serve as basis for the fact-finding probe.

Santiago said she already ordered Blazo to expedite the fact-finding investigation. In fact, he was already excused from the raffle of the newly filed complaints to give him time to the CICC investigation.

Santiago said that for the past month, Blazo has not been given additional load but in spite of it, he still unable to conclude the fact-finding investigation because he was also busy in the “Oplan Red Plate.”

She, however, said she already asked Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol to excuse Blazo from the “Oplan Red Plate” until he finishes the fact-finding probe on the CICC.

Santiago admitted that they are now in a very difficult position on the matter because of the recent decision of the Regional Trial Court ordering the provincial government to pay the WT Construction for the additional work on the CICC.

She said the matter is also included in their fact-finding investigation because of the complaint of Crisologo Saavedra, who alleged that the project was overpriced. Although the case that the court has decided was civil, it involves the same issue.

Santiago explained that they are looking into the totality of the contract whether or not the allegation that it was overpriced was true.

But she refused to comment on whether the court decision will have a bearing on their investigation. — Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)