P220-MILLION BROUHAHA

Defensor may charge Tupas

By Tara Yap

THERE is a possibility that Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. will file an administrative or criminal case against his predecessor, former Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. over the latter’s P220-million disallowances.

“If there is sufficient evidence, I will endorse this to the Ombudsman for appropriate charges,” Defensor said on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA-6) that the Tupas administration incurred extravagant expenditures.

COA-6 was reportedly asked by the Truth Commission, headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, to submit a summary of disallowances incurred during the three terms of Tupas.

Topping the list were the P20-million 14th month pay in 2004; the P22-million operative budget for provincial health workers in 2008; and the P71-million extra cash gift in 2008.

Also included in the list of disallowances were:

• P1.1 million procurement of autoclave

• P643,582 purchase order of catering at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, which was increased to P50/pax from P40/pax

• P280,000 year-end benefits of the Special Education Fund

• P181,450.75 honorarium of BAC secretariat and technical working group

• P122,832 procurement of agricultural supplies that weren’t all delivered

• P83,000 procurement of Acer laptops

• P33,000 procurement of digital cameras and other appliances

• P15,000 excessive traveling expenses

• P8,698 on pasaload transfer of Gov. Tupas to other cellphones

Defensor stressed that the Tupas administration could still held criminally liable regardless the disallowances will be paid back.

For example, capitol employees appealed to Defensor that they be allowed to pay back the illegal bonus within a five-year period through salary deduction.

While Defensor claims he does not formally know of the investigation of the Truth Commission on the alleged irregularities by his predecessor, he welcomed it.

“This is a pleasant surprise. We are looking after the truth,” Defensor noted.

“Someone will be held accountable for these anomalies,” Defensor added.

Defensor assured that he will facilitate any documents needed by the Commission during its investigation.