Laviña warned name-droppers before quitting post

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – Six weeks before quitting his post as chief of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Peter Tiu Laviña issued a memorandum warning his officers against unscrupulous persons using his name to extort money.

The memorandum, sent to all deputy administrators and to regional, department, project and division managers in 17 field offices, said he is aware that some individuals or groups are using his name and the NIA office itself to gain favor in some projects or to extort from a number of individuals.

“For the guidance of everyone, I would like to declare that I have never authorized anyone to use my name or that of my office in transacting business with the agency. These individuals or groups should not be entertained lest their personal interests will be advanced at the expense of the government,” the memorandum read.

Laviña resigned from his post after only three months as NIA chief. He cited health issues to make the resignation irrevocable.

He also denied the corruption issues hurled against him, saying in his Facebook account that he “quietly left government” to spare President Duterte from these “embarrassing stories, particularly in these times of intensified attacks on him.”

During the campaign period, Laviña acted as Duterte’s spokesman.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. assured the public that an investigation would be conducted regarding reports that Laviña asked for money from contractors, adding that he is surprised over the allegations because the former NIA chief required his officers for strict compliance to the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act.

“His official acts are in contrast with the acts he is being accused of. He prohibited contractors who incurred negative slippage from participating in the procurement,” Evasco said.

Lawyer Genever Dionio, NIA legal counsel, said the practice of some individuals using the name of certain NIA officials has been going on for quite some time.