SP body to probe Ardivilla
ROXAS CITY – Despite the opposition from the family of the late Art Cruz, the provincial board in its regular session yesterday ruled to conduct an investigation as to how Board Member Gilbert’s Ardivilla’s name was mentioned by a witness in the killing of 1st district Rep. Antonio del Rosario's political officer.
To recall, the lone witness in Cruz's killing mentioned Ardivilla's name in her sworn testimony.
The task to probe Ardivilla was referred to the committee on ethics chaired by SK Federation President Betina Bayot.
Earlier, Cruz's parents wrote a letter of opposition to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan relative to the plan to investigate their son's murder.
According to the couple, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, being political in nature, is not the proper body to investigate the murder case of their son.
However, Board Member Ricky Martin clarified that the investigation is not for the murder case but will focus on why Ardivilla’s name was implicated in the said case.
Board Member Baden Cantiller also said that Ardivilla should clear his name since it would appear that he has knowledge of Cruz's murder as he was mentioned by the witness.
During the session, Ardivilla and Board Member Vincent Fritz Cruz Am delivered privilege speeches hitting at each other.
Ardivilla slammed Cruz Am for being not clean as a saint citing that the latter's government-issued vehicle was once seen parking inside a motel and that he has been hailed to court involving a very huge sum of money.
Ardivilla also said that Cruz Am wanted to oust him from the august body and want him silenced since he questioned the COA reports 2008, the P250 million loan proposed by the provincial capitol and renovation of Villareal stadium.
On his part, Cruz Am said that Ardivilla’s act of walking out in the previous sessions seems to show that he is hiding something.
Cruz Am stressed that there is no politics behind the move to have Ardivilla investigated, it is even an opportunity for him to clear his name.
“The witness mentioned Ardivilla's name. How could that be a political mudslinging? The incident is not of our own making,” Cruz Am said.
Cruz Am together with majority members of the provincial board are identified with Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., former PNP Chief Roberto Lastimoso and 1st District Cong. Antonio del Rosario. While Ardivilla is identified with former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Jocelyn Bolante, who plans to run for governor next year, and 2nd District Cong. Fredenil Castro.