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Monday, September 29, 2005
Benguet councilor pushes probe on 'infra mafia'
By Jane Cadalig
BAGUIO CITY -- Is there a syndicate controlling the identification, preparation of program of works, awarding, and implementation of infrastructure projects in Benguet?
This was the question raised by a member of the Benguet Provincial Board (PB) in reaction to an allegation that the PB is causing delays in the implementation of infrastructure projects in the province.
Board Member Joseph Cosente is seeking an investigation into the alleged existence of a mafia that is reportedly working in connivance with a department head to control the award of projects in the province.
Cosente, chair of the PB committee on infrastructure, claimed there are groups who are in cahoots with a department official to discredit members of the PB as well as the office of Governor Borromeo Melchor.
"I likewise demand for a complete and full investigation of the existence of mafia/syndicates that corner projects in Benguet, including officials if they are involved," he said.
Cosente's statement stemmed from the allegation hurled against him and his colleagues by Provincial Engineer Anita Binayan, who reportedly claimed that it is the PB that is causing delays in the implementation of projects.
Cosente, in a privileged speech delivered earlier, informed the PB that they are being accused of delaying projects due to their belated action in ratifying contracts.
He and other members, however, denied this, saying ratification of projects is required by Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
He further denied demanding money from contractors in exchange of favors.
Binayan reportedly made the allegations in a meeting with barangay officials on Monday last week.
Cosente believes they are being accused because Binayan was not reappointed by the governor as chair of the bids and awards committee (BAC), the body constituted to award contracts to qualified contractors. He said the governor is merely exercising his discretion when he did not reappoint Binayan.
"So why are some groups opposing it and even accusing members of the Provincial Board of removing her and insinuating irregularity? Were their interests imperiled when she was not reappointed as BAC member that's why some are protesting? Is there a syndicate that controls projects in Benguet, that their interest is being affected by several actions of the PB and the governor's office that they have to discredit the offices?" Cosente asked.
The PB member asked Binayan to explain that implementation of projects takes longer because of Republic Act (RA) 9184 and not due to the belated ratification of the Board. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
(September 29, 2005 issue)
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