News briefs

QUESTIONABLE BIDDING IN TUBURAN PROJECT

THE Ombudsman-Visayas recommended the filing of criminal charges against the former captain of barangay Poblacion in Tuburan town, Cebu accused of involvement in the alleged irregular bidding of construction materials.

Severo Evales is accused of violating Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Evales allegedly approved in Sept 2006 a program of works and bill of materials for a multi-purpose building worth P450,000.

But the anti-graft office revealed that the program of works approved by Evales and the bid of proposals submitted by the winning bidders were the same.

It said this is evidence that Evales may have provided the program of works to “a pre-selected winning bidder. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol

SIN TAX BILL SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN

HEALTH authorities in Central Visayas will launch its signature campaign for the passage of House Bill 5727 or the Sin Tax Reform bill on June 22.

Regional Director Dr. Asuncion Anden of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) called for public support on the campaign which involves distributing signature forms in hospitals and establishments among others.

Dr. Vivina Chiu, president of the Philippine Society for Nephrology Central and Eastern Visayas said the campaign is most welcome.

“Nicotine is the number one abused substance,” Chiu said.

She expects majority of the medical community to sign up for the campaign.

The bill is expected to add P33 billion in additional government revenue from increased taxes on alcohol and tobacco products.

Health officials said the bill may reduce the number of smokers in the country translating to healthier Filipinos. “We would like to ask the media to help us in our campaign,” Anden said. Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua, Correspondent

ANTI-CORRUPTION PACT

THE Ombudsman recently signed an agreement with the World Bank aimed at enhancing programs to strengthen good governance, curb corruption and boost accountability of public officials.

The agreement was signed by Tanodbayan Conchita Carpio-Morales and Leonard McCarthy, vice president of the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) of the World Bank.

Under the agreement the Ombudsman and the INT will cooperate and consult with each other in detecting and preventing fraud and corruption in government projects done with the World Bank.

The agreement also provides a mechanism for the reciprocal referral of inquiries and recommendations pertaining to investigations and actions found within the mandate and jurisdiction of the two groups.

It also called for contact points to facilitate and expedite the effective and confidential transmission of information and periodic meetings to identify possible priority areas for cooperation to achieve common objectives.

The World Bank is composed of five international organizations that issues leveraged loans, usually to poor countries. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol