Ombud to probe GMA link in lamppost case if …

WAS former president Gloria Macagapal-Arroyo involved in the anomalous purchase and installation of the lampposts in Metro Cebu?

The Office of the Ombudsman is willing to look into this angle.

However, Visayas Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol said they would need evidence to prove her involvement in the case.

“If there is evidence, we will take cognizance of the case,” Apostol said.

He said the anti-graft office would not investigate any person unless there is sufficient evidence.

Apostol was asked about the possibility that Arroyo participated in the controversy since former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Hermogenes Ebdane was also linked to the anomaly.

Ebdane was not impleaded in the charges.

But the Ombudsman Visayas recommended that he be investigated since the project passed through the DPWH’s former secretary.

Apostol said the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas had no jurisdiction over Ebdane so the recommendation was made to the anti-graft central office in Manila whose office.

He said they had to compare the original cost of the lampposts with the figures appearing on the Program of Works and Estimates signed by the respondents in the criminal and administrative charges.

The anti-graft office found out that the lampposts used during the Southeast Asian Nations in January 2007 were “highly overpriced.”

The Ombudsman Visayas indicted DPWH-7 officials, city engineers of the cities of Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue as well as Provincial Board member Thadeo Ouano, and Rep. Arturo Radaza.

They are facing graft charges before different divisions in the Sandiganbayan.

On the administrative aspect, the Ombudsman Visayas ordered the dismissal from from government service of Robert Lala, Gloria Dindin, Marlina Alvizo, Pureza Fernandez, Cresencio Bagolor, Augustinito Hermoso, Luis Galang, and Restitutu Diano, Buenaventura Pajo—all of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Also a recipient of the same penalty were government engineers Hedelisa Latonio, Gregorio Omo, Mario Gerolaga of Mandaue City; and Julito Cuizon, and Rogelio Veloso of Lapu-Lapu City.

All of them were found guilty of grave misconduct by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas for the acquisition of lampposts.

The Ombudsman Visayas ordered their forfeiture of benefits of all the respondents, including those who may have retired from service.

Rosalina Denque, an engineer of Mandaue City, was found guilty of neglect of duty and was meted a six-month suspension without pay./Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol