Allegations of irregularity in construction fizzles out
DAGUPAN CITY PEOPLE’S ASTRODOME
MEMBERS of the majority in the Dagupan City Council have distanced themselves from the allegation of Councilor Redford Erfe-Mejia, the minority floor leader, that there is irregularity in the ongoing improvement of the facilities of the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome.
During the special session of the city council on May 23, Wednesday, Erfe-Mejia questioned the inclusion of ₱3 million in the proposed Supplemental Budget No. 2 for further improvement of the Astrodome, including its facade.
Erfe-Mejia said the city council had already appropriated funds for the improvement of Astrodome in the past so he questioned the need for another ₱3 million.
When Athena Arenas, assistant city engineer, could not provide details required by Erfe-Mejia, City Planning and Development Officer Josephine Corpuz took the podium and listed the improvements covered by the previous appropriation.
Corpuz cited the replacement of the old roofing of the whole edifice, improvements of comfort rooms, and the construction of a kitchen where evacuees can prepare their food (the astrodome also serves as evacuation center during calamities).
She also cited the cost of the replacement of the damaged wooden floor where basketball games and other social activities are held.
Not convinced by the explanation, Erfe-Mejia directed City Council secretary Ryan Ravanzo to write a letter to the Ombudsman to investigate the claimed process that was followed and expenses incurred in the astrodome rehab.
Councilor Luis Samson Jr. objected, however, saying that if the secretary was to write the Ombudsman, it would appear that the letter comes from the collegial body, when the request is coming from only one member of the council.
He told Erfe-Mejia to write the letter himself if he was convinced that there were irregularities committed in the project.
Samson, the most senior in the council, did not get a firm response from Erfe-Mejia on whether he would write the Ombudsman.
Samson was in the minority together with Nicanor Aquino and Guillermo Vallejos, but has since forged a working relationship with the majority, which left Erfe-Mejia alone in the minority. (Leonardo Micua)
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