House begins probe on 'overpriced' Capitol
Ilonggo solons led by former IloiloGovernor and now Third District Congressman Arthur Defensor led yesterday's (Tuesday) all-star cast of probers as the House of Representatives began its investigation on alleged overpricing of the multi-million Provincial Capitol building.
The seat of the Iloilo Provincial Government, the building valued at least P490 million has since been subject of criticisms, graft charges and unresolved questions amidst allegation of fraudulent deals, illegal and irregular deals alleged to have been realized before, during and even after the construction.
The House probe was realized following the move pushed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel.
Initial set of documents presented before the Committee on Good Government chaired by Defensor were plans and work programs that were also personally known to him with the construction all initiated during his last term as Iloilo Governor.
The multi-million construction of what now stands as "Capitol of the Future" was realized following the November 1999 fire that hit the old Capitol building.
The House probe in aid of legislation is expected to draw results that would push for filing of appropriate cases.
Alongside the government expense, the Capitol building was subject of the news following cracks seen on various surfaces of the building. "Superficial cracks," experts called in then by Governor Niel Tupas said even as the Committee on Infrastructure was asked to conduct a separate investigation as pushed by Vice Governor Roberto Armada.
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 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.
The House Committee on Good Government is also working on the results of yet another Iloilo Provincial Government-related project probed for similar allegations of public funds mis-use, graft and corruption involving the multi-billion new Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP).