Probe on controversial Animal Hub complete but for governor's eyes only

LAWYER Mary Ann Lamis of the Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Office revealed yesterday, June 19, they have already completed the investigation on the controversial Animal Hub at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

But for now, it is for the governor's eyes only.

There are people who will be held liable for the construction of the Animal Hub, Lamis said.

Lamis, who heads the Bids and Awards Committee and the Investigation Panel formed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., said they submitted the report to the governor yesterday afternoon.

"It is confidential and it is the governor who will decide what to do with it," she said.

She further revealed that they are already finished with the actual fact-finding and the report includes recommendations on what to do with the structure which was built without a bidding process and any approval from the Capitol.

Lamis also said they consulted the Civil Service Commission and oriented them the limits of what they can disclose to the public.

She also refused to reveal how many will be held liable and also refused to confirm if they have asked Eva Resoor, who claimed to be the supplier of the materials used for the construction of the Animal Hub which is already about 80 percent complete, on the matter.

Other members of the investigation panel are Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino, Provincial Budget Officer Jose Percival Salado, Ruby Barbosa of the Provincial Accounting Office and Lucille Pines of the Provincial General Services Office.

The provincial government has allocated P10 million for the construction of the Animal Hub but the Capitol decided not to push through with the project after the construction was made by the group of Resoor ahead of the actual bidding procedure.

Provincial officials denied having any knowledge of the construction.

Resoor claimed that his financiers have already spent nearly P4 million for the construction of the building.