(Eagle News) — The Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of Aurora Governor Gerardo Noveras after he allegedly allowed his own dump trucks to be used in the construction of a barangay project.
In meting out the nine-month suspension without pay, the Ombudsman said in a decision approved on January 15 that Noveras was “liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” for allowing Remnant Builders–which won the P232,441.50 contract for the project in Barangay Nipoo, Dinalungan—to use the dump trucks even if they were not in Remnant’s initial list of equipment to be used.
According to the Ombudsman, the fact that the vehicles were used meant he could have been given compensation.
“It is impossible for respondent to not have known that his dump trucks were used for the project considering their massive size and the project’s exposure to the public,” the Ombudsman said, belying Noveras’ defense.
It noted Julio Liss, Remnant’s proprietor, conspired with Noveras to label his dump trucks “Edfrobon” to make it appear they belonged to Edfrobon Construction Services Inc.
The anti-graft body added that “even if respondent did not intervene in the bidding process and did not coerce or intimidate anyone, the fact that he allowed the use of his dump trucks in a government project within his jurisdiction tarnishes the image and integrity of his public office.”
“Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered finding Gerardo Noveras liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service…,” the Ombudsman said.
It junked the charges of grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority against the Aurora governor.
