CEBU CITY - Mayor Michael Rama finds himself in legal hot water as a formal complaint has been filed against him and 11 other city officials before the Office of the Ombudsman, centering on the controversial night market project that has raised eyebrows across the city.
The ₱20 Million Question
The case, lodged by opposition figure and former mayor's spokesman Jose Daluz III, alleges serious irregularities in the procurement process for the Cebu City Night Market. At the heart of the controversy is a substantial ₱20 million budget allocation that Daluz claims was mishandled, pointing to potential violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act.
Multiple Charges Filed
The complaint doesn't pull any punches, hitting the mayor and his co-respondents with multiple charges including:
- Violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
- Grave misconduct
- Gross neglect of duty
- Serious dishonesty
- Conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service
Contractor Controversy
Daluz's filing raises red flags about the chosen contractor, M. Dayandayan Construction and Supply, questioning whether the company possessed the necessary qualifications and legal requirements to undertake such a significant government project. The complaint suggests the selection process may have bypassed standard procurement protocols.
Legal Grounds
"The complaint alleges that the respondents gave unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference to the contractor through manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence," the document states, highlighting the serious nature of the accusations.
Political Implications
This legal challenge comes at a sensitive time for Mayor Rama's administration, potentially affecting public perception and trust in city governance. The night market project, intended to boost local commerce and tourism, now finds itself shadowed by allegations of procedural missteps.
The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to review the complaint thoroughly, determining whether there's sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal investigation that could have significant consequences for all involved parties.
