Found during review in Mandaue: Illegal contracts?

CEBU, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing has instructed the City Legal Office to look into alleged anomalous contracts the city entered into during the time of former mayor Jonas Cortes.

These contracts involve properties of the city being rented to private companies. Quisumbing said they discovered the contracts during a review.

"They reviewed almost 10, and we've flagged about 4 or 5 already that have questionable contracts," he said.

He added the "anomalous transactions" of these "highly questionable" contracts will also be determined.

"They appear to be disadvantageous to the city government," Quisumbing said.

One of the contracts reportedly involves a hotel.

“It appears nga gi-assign ang rights to another company for P25 million without the council approval. Kana, standard man gud na moagi man gyud na sa konseho para sa approval para sa sub-lease. Ang ilaha rang gi-gunitan nga papeles was the authorization (letter) by former Mayor Cortes that allowed them to assign and sub-lease the land without having to go through the council,” Quisumbing said.

Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna said the review of the contracts also resulted in the discovery of the controversial 35,821- square meter foreshore land in Barangay Looc.

The legal office said the contract of sale to E.C. Ouano Development and Management Corporation (ECODEMCOR) has "irregularities." Last month, the Council has recommended that the contract be nullified.

Quisumbing said the review is intended to ensure that the city will avoid similar issues in the future.

"Para namo, importante sad nga mahibaw-an gyud nato as to how many transactions of this there were, how many of this allegedly anomalous transactions there were so that we can work on how to make sure nga dili bitaw maalkanse ang dakbayan sa Mandaue," the mayor said.

Atty. Jamaal Calipayan, the chief of staff of Cortes, said all contracts the city entered into during Cortes’ administration were legitimate.

“All contracts entered into during the time of Mayor Jonas are legal and binding to the city. There is clearly a reason behind why all of these ‘issues’ are being raised at this time when election season is close. If he has specific allegations on specific contracts, we will answer it when it is publicized,” Calipayan said.

Quisumbing retorted:

“Well, whether political or not it does not change the fact that a crime has been committed.”

Quisumbing also said that the contract review is also a way for the city to look for possible areas for housing projects and location for government offices.

“Para sa other government services and at the same time, nahurot naman gud atong mga properties pinaagi sa kana, pagpbaligya sa ubos kaayo nga presyo og sa dili bitaw mosubay sa proseso sa balaod," Quisumbing said. (FREEMAN)