Ombudsman clears officials in Asean security cameras case

THE Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas dismissed administrative charges against government officials in the installation of security cameras in Metro Cebu during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in 2007.

The anti-graft office said there was nothing anomalous in the cancellation of the contract of Pelican Bay Group/Cebesos Development Corp. and the granting of the project to Triton Communication Corp., which  delivered materials of the traffic surveillance system.

“Considering that the Asean Summit was scheduled on Dec. 10 to Dec. 14, 2006, and visitors would surely come earlier than the scheduled date, it was normal and prudent act for the respondents to look for a remedy. Obviously, to look for able suppliers is the best alternative.”

The case  stemmed from a complaint filed by businessman Crisologo Saavedra, project manager of Pelican Bay Group Inc/Cebesos Development Corp.

Saavedra’s Pelican Bay Group won the bidding to supply the surveillance equipment  and was mandated to deliver the materials on or before Nov. 20, 2006; otherwise, the DPWH would rescind the contract.

The company was supposed to deliver 20 cameras but decided to increase the number to 60.

On Nov. 24, 2006, DPWH-7 Director Roberto Lala informed Saavedra who failed to deliver the equipment on time that the DPWH was constrained to offer the award to Triton Communications Corp.

Named respondents in the case were Lala, DPWH, former assistant regional director Marlina Alvizo and  BAC members Agustinito Hermoso, Luis Galang, Restituto Diano and Buenaventure Pajo; Teresa Bernido of the controllership and financial management; lawyer Ayaon Manggis of the legal division; and engineers Cresencio Bagolor and Marilyn Ojeda. /Ador Vincent Mayol, Reporter