Lawyer, contractor 'threaten' city execs over housing project mess
Yesterday's (Tuesday) committee hearing finally saw the key figure in the city government's socialized housing project in Pavia, Iloilo his presence aided by a legal counsel. It also heard anew a warning from a lawyer who vowed to hurl top city officials to Court if and when they decide to pay up millions in due account.
Alexander Trinidad of Ace Builders Enterprises (ABE) heeded the invite sent by Councilor Jed Mabilog, chair of the Committee on Construction, Engineering and Public Works, in what was to be the last set of hearing called in light of the controversial multi-million housing project of the Iloilo City Government.
With government auditors likewise present, the committee heard anew the explanation of the Commission on Audit (COA) relative to its findings on the technical evaluation made. To note, COA reported of some P14 million in due account to the beleaguered contractor that has since generated stern objections from a number of groups.
Among the most vocal of the oppositors was lawyer Romeo Gerochi who manifested his position in an open letter that promised series of cases set to be filed against Mayor Jerry Treñas and yet another warning to the city councilors from paying what is due to Ace Builders.
Gerochi was allowed by Mabilog to read the letter in its entirety with Trinidad and his counsel, lawyer Antonio Carpio Jr. observed to have listened intently. No reaction was made by the duo including others who were present in the conference room.
The hearing met a couple of snags with Mabilog requesting for order in the rally held by Gerochi's group. Yells and chants were heard with the rallyists purposely positioned just across the venue.
Ace Builders when asked of their position said that COA's report of P14million in due account to them is "acceptable." What remains to be accepted and considered is the issue on substandard materials with COA deducting over P5 million in the remaining bill served to the City Government.
"It has been two years now," Carpio stressed of the unpaid amount. The contractor's lawyer even threatened to file graft and corrupt charges against the officials of the city government if it fails to pay the remaining balance.
Carpio, however, said his client is willing to enter into an amicable agreement with the city government to create a win-win solution. He said they merely wanted to help in the development of the city.
To date, an ombudsman order was allegedly issued preventing the City from paying Ace Builders. The News Today (TNT) learned though that such 'order' has yet to be officially served and made to members of the City Government.
Mabilog is investigating whether it is legal for the city government to pay the alleged remaining P14,244,203.43 to ABE as per the recommendation of the COA and the City Legal Office (CLO).
To note, the committee on justice and legal matters chaired by former city councilor and now Representative Raul Gonzalez, Jr. also conducted an investigation regarding the Pavia housing project years ago.
Gonzalez's investigation was an offshoot of the revelation made by subcontractor Rudy Gonzales on the use of substandard materials. He made public of what he knew after the ABE contractor Alex Trinidad failed to pay him of his contracted work.
Gonzales' group came up with a recommendation to press charges on former city councilors and other members of the city council who were at the time still serving the city council during the conduct of the investigation. The same recommendation was rejected by the city council.
The same committee report was sent to the Ombudsman Visayas for action. Some of the previous councilors were even asked to submit their counter affidavits regarding the allegations on their participation from the time of the approval of the loan, approval of the project design among others.
Since then, nothing was heard on who are liable for the multi-million anomalies at housing project which turned into a white elephant.