Ombudsman sets clarificatory hearing vs. Leonardia, et al.
BACOLOD CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas led by Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio S. Apostol recently ordered Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, et al. to attend tomorrow, August 26, 2009, the scheduled Joint Clarificatory Hearing at 2 p.m., at the Ombudsman Visayas office, DA Compound, M. Velez St. Cebu City in connection with the supplementary affidavit filed by Victor B. Eduardo relative to the construction of the New Government Center.
Apostol ordered the local chief executive, former Vice Mayor Renecito Novero and some Sangguniang Panlungsod members to answer several relevant facts raised by Mr. Eduardo on the conduct of the public bidding by the Bids and Awards Committee that modified the eligibility requirements provided in Section 23.6 of R.A 9184 by requiring additional documents which were required under Section 25.
Apostol wants clarification as to why despite Hilmarc’s non-compliance with BAC’s modified eligibility requirements, the BAC did not declare Hilmarc’s ineligible to participate in the public bidding for the New Government Center just like the other eight prospective bidders that were disqualified.
On the other hand, Mayor Leonardia said that the clarificatory hearing is just a procedural matter and it is a very normal process.
“We are happy if the Ombudsman called for a clarificatory hearing in order to ventilate our side,” Leonardia said.
Leonardia believed that the case will not prosper because the basis of the Ombudsman is the Audit Observation Memorandum which is not final yet. “The AOM is a standard procedure and it is not final yet because it is appealable in the Regional Level,” he added.
Leonardia confirmed that as of now, he faces at least 26 Ombudsman cases and he had an assumption that this is part of the demolition job from his political opponent. Leonardia understood the situation in the level of the Ombudsman who always entertained cases even if the complainant is unknown. “Since it is still a clarificatory hearing, there is no conclusion yet on these cases,” Leonardia added.