Capitol kicks out workers behind culvert pullout

CEBU, Philippines — The Capitol has terminated the services of three outsourced personnel who allegedly took culverts from the controversial Balili property last year and who mounted the “Never Again” tarpaulin before the 2016 elections.

The personnel were identified as Rey Niño Oporto, Alejandro Sumayang, and Arnel Saladron based on a July 11, 2018 memorandum issued by Nelson Mabugnon, project-in-charge of the Real Estate Section of the Provincial General Services Office.

“As per evaluation with your immediate supervisor, your performance as part of the PGSO construction team is hereby not appreciated. In this regards, your services in this institution are recommended to be terminated effective July 15, 2018. You can ask to your company for another assignment in any other institution,” read Mabugnon’s memorandum duly noted by PGSO Head Jone Siegfred Sepe.

Sumayang admitted being one of those who were asked to pick the culverts in Balili property in Naga that were brought to a private village in Cebu City for its drainage project.

Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino admitted using the Capitol-owned materials in a drainage project of the village where he lives in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The construction was done in August 2017. Tolentino, however, clarified that the culverts were donated by the provincial government to the homeowners’ association where he was also president for two years from 2016.

Sumayang and a certain Rey Subingsubing also admitted being those who were asked to mount the controversial “Never Again” tarpaulin displayed prominently at the Cebu International Convention Center before the 2016 elections, with Mabugnon supervising them.

Other personnel involved but were already terminated were Brian Banson, Rabe Enolba, Alijandro Sumayang, Carlo Aranas, Alex Berdin, Roger Tampus, Roberto Caloring, Juvany Ganar, Marvir Rosacenia, Felix Cambal, Elmer Cambal, Jonathan Cambal, among others.

Tolentino and Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora, a member of the CICC appraisal committee, earlier said they knew nothing about the banner.

But one of the personnel said Jamora arrived after they finished mounting the tarpaulin.

Also, in a letter dated July 4, 2018, Sepe requested Rafael Lito Dela Peña, chief operating officer of Extra Ordinaire Janitorial & Manpower Services Inc., for the replacement of some of their personnel as members of demolition team.

Sepe said the Cebu Provincial Real Property Protection Task Force requested for the replacement of Albert Torlao, Felix Cambal, and Junje Sode effective July 16, 2018. — KBQ (FREEMAN)