‘File raps vs NHA execs over Yolanda housing’

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has recommended the filing of administrative and criminal charges against 12 former and incumbent officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA) over alleged anomalies in the implementation of a housing program for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The PACC yesterday submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman a copy of its investigation report, which showed various anomalies, particularly in the award of contracts.

In Eastern Samar alone, the PACC said contracts for the construction of 2,559 permanent housing units in four towns worth P741.53 million were awarded to J.C. Tayag Builders Inc.

It said only 1.41 percent or 36 units were completed when the contracts were terminated on Nov. 27, 2017.

The PACC said NHA general manager Sinforo Pagunsan, assistant general manager and bids and awards committee 1 chairman Froilan Kampitan, BAC 1 vice chairperson Ma. Alma Valenciano, BAC 2 chairman Victor Balba, BAC 2 vice chairman Felicisimo Lazarte Jr. and NHA project implementing team head Lorna Seraspe should be among those charged with graft as well as violation of the Goverment Procurement Reform Act and Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees. 

It also recommended the filing of charges against BAC members Susana Nonato, Eleanor Balatbat, Romuel Alimboyao and Ma. Magdalena Siacon as well as supervising engineer and technical working group members Alvin Rey Calbario and Grace Guevara.

The Commission on Audit had earlier said only 58 percent or 117,167 of the targeted 203,471 permanent housing units had been completed.