SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 23 (PNA) — Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao announced Monday morning the creation of Provincial Anti-Corruption Committee (PACC) that will investigate the implementation of past and ongoing projects and procurements of the provincial government.
“This is not a personal matter. I do this for you people of Antique. It is your money that was spent by the previous administration for these projects that will be subjected to investigation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Committee. I just want to ensure that the people’s money is spent properly,” Gov. Cadiao said in this morning’s flag raising ceremony.
“I am doing this because I want to give justice to the Antiqueños who are complaining of substandard projects implemented in their barangays and the victims of typhoon Yolanda who are still waiting for their share of the assistance from the provincial government,” Gov. Cadiao said.
“There is nothing to fear with the creation of this team. The contractors and suppliers have nothing to worry, that is if they implemented the projects in accordance with the program of works and in the case of the suppliers, they delivered the right quality and right quantity of goods purchased from them by the provincial government,” Cadiao stressed.
The newly installed Governor of Antique said that the investigations to be conducted by the PACC will not be in conflict with the ongoing investigation being conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation and that of the Ombudsman (NBI).
“The NBI and the Ombudsman are welcome to conduct and finish their own investigation on the complaints filed by certain individuals. I know some Antiqueños have filed their separate complaints in the past and I trust that the investigation of both the NBI and the Ombudsman will redound to the good of the people,” Cadiao said.
According to the Governor, PACC will investigate and find out whether the implementation of the various projects and the purchase of various supplies and equipment are above board, if not, then they will do something to correct them. The provincial government will not be coerced to pay these suppliers and contractors who did not follow the specifications and program of work.
“We are not exacting vengeance on the previous administration. If the contractors accomplished the project accordingly, they will be paid. If the suppliers delivered the right items as specified in the contracts, they will be paid. They have nothing to fear if they have not done anything illegal,” the Governor said.
Cadiao expressed her gratitude to the volunteers who comprise the PACC.
“We are very thankful that there are people who volunteer their services and expertise especially the lawyers and technical people to help the provincial government,” Cadiao further said. (PNA)