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THE graft case involving the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) was referred to the Ombudsman central office owing to a resolution mandating its local offices to refer all cases involving governors and vice governors to them for resolution.
Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol said the resolution issued by Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierrez applies on preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication which may follow after an investigation.
“We have concluded the fact-finding already. We have a decision. I have to report to the Tandobayan what happened. This is a unique case. Had it not been because of the resolution from the Tanodbayan, there should have been no need to endorse the case,” Apostol said.
Apostol said he chose to endorse the case to their office in Manila after he and the investigators were unable to agree on the findings.
He said he is confident that the Ombudsman central office will sustain their findings which he refused to divulge as of now.
Apostol and other anti-graft officials attended the covenant signing of the Multi-Sectoral Anti-Connuption Council (MSACC) held at the City Sports Club in Cebu City yesterday.
Emilio Gonzales III, Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Office, supported Apostol’s move.
“In cases of conflict and disagreements (in the fact-finding result), the best thing to do is to endorse the case to the Ombudsman Manila,” he said.
He assured the public that their review of the CICC case won't long.
Apostol denied allegations that he transferred the case to Manila to clear Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia whose brother and president of the Government Services and Insurance System Winston Garcia reportedly recommended him to the post.
“Nobody lobbied for me. Winston did not back me up. I don't have to feel indebted to any politicians. I don't have any bias to the governor especially that I am not a Cebuano,” he said.
Apostol also denied rumors that he was pressured by the tanodbayan to send the CICC complaint to Manila.
Gutierrez failed to attend the activity yesterday because due to illness.
The MSACC is participated by members of the government, civil society, private sectors to fight graft in the country. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol
