Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Investigate projects in Lapu: Patalinjug
OPPOSITION officials in Lapu-Lapu City claimed that the City’s priority projects funded by a loan is riddled with graft and corruption. They asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to check the transactions.
Lapu-Lapu City Auditor Josephine Daclan is withholding comment until they finish their investigation. She will seek help from COA’s regional technical services (RTS), saying the items discussed in the letter were too technical.
City Assistant Engineer Fernando Tagaan also refused to comment on the issue in deference to his superiors.
Mayor Arturo Radaza’s runningmate, Councilor Mario Amores, said they will just wait for the findings of COA.
Vice Mayor Norma Patalinjug wrote about the alleged admission of a private contractor of giving three percent of the city’s project amount in exchange for winning the bid.
Variations
She also talked about variations in the drainage project that cost the city millions; the subcontracting scheme for the drainage project, which is not allowed; and some abandoned portions of the project.
Daclan, who explained that her office only makes post audit studies, said all vouchers issued and signed as well as project plans will be submitted to the RTS for evaluation.
On the issue of subcontracting, Daclan said the names of subcontractors and their identities will not appear in the voucher so there is no way to prove that they exist. Except if accusers have a strong proof, they will verify and recommend for an investigation.
Young Builders Corporation vice president Nelson Yu was recently reported as having admitted giving three percent of the project amount to Radaza, who vehemently denied the allegation.
The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas is now investigating the complaint filed by brothers Richard and Rafael King against Radaza.
On variation cost, Patalinjug said the contractor requested this “under doubtful circumstances.” The drainage project costs P85 million and the change in the program of works costs P39.6 million.
Subcontracting
Patalinjug also raised the issue on subcontracting as almost all equipment seen on the project site indicates ownership by another contractor.
Young Builders is the contractor but equipment on the site in Barangay Basak and the uniform of workers have the print “Virlo Construction.” A contractor’s representative earlier said in a council session that the contractor rented the equipment from another firm.
When TCGI, the city’s hired consultancy firm for the project, made a presentation before the council regarding the variation order, its officer also used an equipment with a “Virlo” mark on it. The officer said they borrowed the equipment from Virlo.
Patalinjug said some portions of the project appear to be unfinished despite the fact that a notice to proceed was served on April 22, 2005 yet.
Basak Carangay Captain Isabelito Darnayla said construction of the project resumed a month ago.
MEPZ roadside tenants and local residents filed complaints against Virlo regarding the roadside diggings, which destroyed water pipes and created big holes that were left uncovered and led to accidents. (OCP)
