Integrity in Peril

Hole of Justice

by Peter G. Jimenea

 
Integrity in Peril

The Iloilo City Government Housing Project for 413 houses of city employees was signed by then Mayor Mansueto Malabor in2001. A P120M bond flotation to bankroll the project was approved by city officials and was cornered by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) for an interest of P5M.

When Jerry Trenas became a new mayor on the same year, it was turned over to him by Mayor Malabor for implementation. The Ace Builders owned by Alex Trinidad undertook the construction of the 413 units of houses.

As the construction started the loan of the city government with PNB (P125M plus interest) was transferred to Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) on a P12M expense for documentation alone. On why only God knows, but this raised the city government’s accountability to a new P137M.

But few months later, it was discovered that the materials used by the contractor to build the houses were substandard. Thus, the city council issued resolutions urging the mayor to rescind the contract and sue the contractor.

Unfortunately, Mayor Trenas ignored them and continued paying the contractor’s billing in millions. For that two councilors, Atty. Antonio Pesina, Atty. Raul Gonzalez, Jr. with a lawyer, Atty. Romeo Gerochi, filed  different cases against the mayor and company with the Office of the Ombudsman in 2004.

On May 9, 2005, the cases were resolved by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer I, Pio Dargante. And after review by Dir. Edgardo Canton they were recommended for approval by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Primo Miro, on May 23, 2005.

They resolved to indict former Mayor Malabor and recommended the filing of information against Mayor Trenas. But the case slept there and seem to die there at the Office of Monalisa, ehe, este Merceditas Gutierrez, for reasons solely known to her.

After five years, on August 10, 2010, Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, presented the Resolution of the case indicting Malabor and group but give more time for further investigation of Mayor Trenas’ involvement in this housing mess.

If we may suggest to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, please scrutinize the last five (5)pages of the Resolution whether there are changes that has affected the course of the resolution without its investigators getting wind of it.

The above is just a suggestion for I have been lambasting the poor Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol who now seems badly beaten by his looks. It is widely believed that somebody from the Head Office has a hand in twisting this housing case.

I would place my integrity as a writer in this growing widespread public perception that if there is nothing wrong with that original resolution, I will quit as a columnist. As to contrition of the culprit in this mess, apology not accepted!