AS CIVIL works for the 20-story Cebu Provincial Resource Center continue, Cebu governor-elect Gwen Garcia’s transition team warned Capitol officials anew of the risks they face if they proceed with the project.
Lawyer Marino Martinquilla issued the warning after Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said construction will not be affected, whether or not the private contractor receives its P194.8-million mobilization fee.
“Do it at their own risk and it’s also a risk on the part of Engineer Jamora for making that statement. That would probably put him administratively in hot water,” Martinquilla told reporters Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
Earlier, Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre did not approve the advance payment for WT Construction Inc. (WTCI) amounting to P194.8 million for the construction of the resource center.
The amount is 15 percent of the P1.2-billion contract price.
Before that, Provincial Accountant Marieto Ypil was also constrained not to endorse any payment after receiving the letter from Garcia’s transition team, warning all department heads “not to process any and all billing related to the project.”
Ypil returned the disbursement voucher to Jamora who had recommended the release of the advance payment.
In separate letters sent to outgoing Gov. Hilario Davide III and WTCI on June 3, Garcia said she will exclude the project from her program of government.
In the same letter, all concerned Capitol department heads were also warned not to process billings related to the project. (RTF)