Obet shields Gallar, SP from Mejorada's 'fingerpointing'

By Florence F. Hibionada

Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada should instead answer the issue regarding Capitol's 'lavish' spending for food and catering services and not point fingers, Vice Governor Roberto Armada said.

Armada

At the same time, Armada 'shielded' 3 rd District Board Member Emmanuel Gallar and the whole Sanggunian Panlalawigan from the blame stemming from what the Commission on Audit describes as 'excessive, extravagant and unconscionable' food expenses over a short period last year. He also decried what he described were “fingerpointing” and “childish” reaction of Mejorada.

“I am the chief of office of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan,” Armada said over Bombo Radyo Friday last week, “It is my duty to defend the board members and in particular, the accusations against Board Member Manny Gallar. Dapat sabton ang isyu and not finger-pointing. That kind of argument nga dalahigon tanan is fallacy (What ought to be done is to explain the issue, and not fingerpointing. That kind of argument where everyone is dragged into the issue is a fallacy). ”

Armada went on to explain how they have since been advised to stop seeking reimbursements for similar food expenses under the account code 'extraordinary expense.'

The current practice, he said, goes through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), “and in fairness to them, they have also resorted to a mode of procurement which is legal.”

If and when the COA issues the corresponding suspension or disallowance, Armada continued, then the SP is ready to present its side and justification.

As an integral part of their legislative work, he went further to explain, are the consultations and meetings, expenses of such are claimed thereafter.

Mejorada dragged Gallar and the SP into the issue during a press conference earlier, saying that the P3.5 million Audit Observation Memorandum (AOM) of COA was not solely to their ‘credit.'

Alongside the SP in the list, Mejorada pointed out, were food expenses of the inmates in the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC).