Raps set against Sta. Fe execs for market project

CRIMINAL and administrative charges were recommended against local officials of Sta. Fe, Bantayan town for reportedly issuing a P4.9 million check for the construction of a public market that remains unfinished.

The recommendation given by the Ombudsman-Visayas stemmed from an ocular inspection made by graft investigation officer Elias Caputolan Jr.

He also cited the alleged involvement of local officials on illegal fishing activites and gambling.

Named respondents were Sta. Fe Mayor Jennifer Ilustrisimo, Sta Fe Councilor Roger Ilustrisimo and their municipal engineer and treasurer.

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas also recommended that the officials be suspended pending results of an inquiry on them.

The Sta. Fe municipal government paid Geety Realty and Development Corp. P4.99 million for the construction of their new public market.

But local officials were unable to produce a copy of the contract and bidding records for the project. An ocular inspection showed the building had no electrical wiring and septic tank.

The Ombudsman-Visayas said it also found basis for an accusation by one of the councilors that Illustrisimo tolerated illegal fishing in their area.

The officials were included in a complaint for the issuance of tickets to the restaurants in the area. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya