CAPITOL PROBE
Delayed but not forgotten; House probe on Capitol building still on

By Florence F. Hibionada

Congress is still set to investigate alleged anomalies surrounding the construction of the multi-million new Iloilo Provincial Capitol building. In fact, solons pushing for its probe will gather anew to set hearing dates with the group bent on bringing back to Iloilo City members of the powerful Committee on Good Government.

Such was the assurance made by Akbayan Representative Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel, principal mover of the House probe in a radio interview Saturday evening.

The statement came amidst questions raised on the status of the earlier plan disclosed months back relative to the inquiry in aid of legislation on the major project embarked by the Iloilo Provincial Government that gave birth to the city's tallest and grandest government building thus far.

With over P450 million on estimated construction expenses, the Capitol of late was subject of the news following cracks seen on various surfaces of the building. "Superficial cracks," experts called in by Governor Niel Tupas said even as the Committee on Infrastructure conducts a separate investigation on the matter as pushed by Vice Governor Roberto Armada.

Reached by Bombo Radyo's Roger Gencianeo, Baraquel said the House probe was just delayed but not forgotten and will be tackled in due time. This, she explained, was brought by the developments in national politics however Baraquel and several other solons including three of Iloilo's representatives will make sure the investigation as pushed will be conducted.

The House probe as contained in a House Resolution directs the House Committee on Good Government to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged malversation of public funds in the construction of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol building.

As noted by Baraquel and six other solons, the probe is important since "one of the major thrusts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration is to weed out graft and corruption in order to sustain public trust and the international community's confidence in the country and the in the economy."

The probe proponents further averred, "corruption or misplaced use of public funds contribute to the ever increasing fiscal deficit of the country." The investigation banks on an earlier finding of the Commission on Audit (COA) that established unexplained deficiencies of over P4.8 million in Phase 1 construction.

Baraquel also said longtime allegations of overpricing in furnitures and fixtures and millions in additional expenses will likewise be included in the forthcoming probe.

The Iloilo solons who have signified their support on the Capitol probe are Lone District Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr., First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin and Fourth District Representative Ferjenel Biron.

Reached for comment, Garin echoed to The News Today the sentiments of Baraquel while adding that more evidences were gathered and being accepted by the group thus far.

"Yes it has been delayed but definitely not forgotten. We do not have to rush this and in due time, the delay may even prove helpful to all. With the airport probe on its final hearing dates, then it is just but perfect time for us to train our sights and get ready for another concern," Garin said in an interview over the weekend.

House Committee on Good Government chaired by Third District Representative Arthur Defensor currently handles probe of similar allegations of public funds mis-use, graft and corrution on the multi-billion new Iloilo Airport Development Project.