The Ombudsman has released another decision on the charges of alleged anomalies in the construction of a multi-million irrigation project in Talibon town.
The decision,still cleared five officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) but meted a one-month suspension against Provincial Irrigation Officer Engr. Calixto Seroje.
This resolution was however similar in content of the decision released in November last year. The 25-page resolution, signed by Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro on November 11, 2008 but released only recently, dismissed the charges “for lack of substantial legal basis.”
Seroje is likewise warned by the Ombudsman that a repetition of a similar infraction in the future “shall be dealt with more severely”.
Also cleared were NIA regional manager Alexander Reuyan, NIA regional finance manager Jesusa Sibonga, small reservoir irrigation project officer Eduardo Daniel and senior accountant Victor Echavez.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed on October 27, 2004, at the Ombudsman by the Boholanos Against Corruption, Oppression and Social Harassment (Bacos), which said P165 million had been released for the Talibon Small Reservoir Impounding Project (SRIP) although only half of it was completed.
