2nd graft case vs Magalong
By J.Lo
Baguio Councilor Mylen Yaranon is now tracking down Mayor Benjamin Magalong for another graft case before Office of the Ombudsman.
This time is in connection with allegedly anomalous improvement and rehabilitation of P50-million multipurpose building in Barangay Irisan.
Yaranon alleged that Magalong violated Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Yaranon said project was implemented through memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera and city government of Baguio, awarded conract to Khatib Construction on Dec. 18, 2021.
She said project should have been completed within 350 days or by Dec. 8, 2022.
Yaranon said project engineer of DPWH questioned discrepancies in elevation, footing and sizes of columns of building during meeting with Baguio City Building and Architects Office (CBAO) in March 2020.
Baguio City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) of DPWH said any change in the project should be made in accordance with MOA, including submission of variation order.
BCDEO said any allowed action on variance is limited to 10 percent of contract amount. If amount is higher, it must first be referred to DPWH central office.
DPWH informed CBAO in August of same year about its observation on materials used in the construction.
It did not receive or approve any variation order and technical justification or as-stake plan. It issued warning to CBAO for not submitting required documents.
Despite warning, city government released P43 million as payment to Khatib Construction, Yaranon said in the complaint.
On Dec. 8, 2022, supposed day of completion of project, DPWH found out that only 60 percent of the building was finished.
Noting 40-percent slippage, DPWH terminated the project, but city government continued it.
Of P43 million paid to contractor, P32 million was sourced from DPWH, while rest came from trust fund of city government.
Yaranon said there was no approved authorization for the mayor or any appropriation ordinance allowing release of P11 million to contractor.
It was second graft case Yaranon lodged against Magalong. First was in connection with allegedly irregular purchase of property in Tuba, Benguet for the city’s social housing program.
ISKUP! 