CoA evaluation on P35.5 M ADB projects in Calinog sought
Municipal officials of Calinog requested the Commission on Audit (CoA) to conduct an inspection and evaluation of different infrastructure projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The infrastructure project being questioned amounted to P35,586,000.
The request was made after the Sangguniang Bayan approved a resolution asking CoAs to conduct an inspection of infrastructure projects funded by ADB in Barangay Toyungan. The municipal resolution was approved last September 28,2007. The infrastructure projects were implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the time of former Mayor Alex Centena.
The municipal resolution was in response to the barangay resolution approved by Toyungan Barangay Council. The barangay resolution No. 39 was then endorsed to the Sangguniang Bayan of Calinog. Other than the CoA's intervention, the municipal council asked for the intervention of the Presidential Anti-Graft Watch and Ombudsman Visayas on their request. Copies of the municipal resolution were also provided to the ADB and DPWH.
The resolution authored by Sangguniang Bayan member Renato Casinao and approved by the municipal council requested the CoA to conduct inspection and evaluation in Toyungan Bridge amounting to P18 million. The bridge connects Toyungan Proper and Toyungan Terminal.
The municipal council also asked for the inspection of Alibunan-Toyungan farm-to-market road. The Alibunan-Toyungan farm-to-market road amounted to P9 million. They also want to conduct an inspection of the potable water system for Toyungan Terminal amounting to P2 million.
The municipal council likewise wants CoA to check on the road project covering Barangay Toyungan to Tigbayog. The road project was realized included in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of the government. The phase I of the project amounted to P500,000 and P5 million for its second phase. The DPWH was the implementing agency of the said projects.
The council also wants CoA to check into the P1,086,000 potable water system project covering Sitio Alianan, Sitio Libot, Sitio Eres Centro. It was funded by the "National Administration project" and also implemented by the DPWH.
In the same resolution, it was not stated on whether there is a reason for the municipal officials to cast doubt in the implementation of the infrastructure projects. It was not clear whether by this time, municipal officials believed there is an anomaly in the implementation of the ADB funded projects.
Acting Mayor Salvador Divinagracia and Acting Vice Mayor SB Member Josefina Saturnino could not be reached for comment over the P35,586,000 questionable infrastructure projects in the municipality.