• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The National Bureau of Investigation has started its probe on the P306.4 million ‘ghost’ flood control projects in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, where the signature of Mayor Renato Gustilo was forged in the documents of three contractors from northern Luzon.
Jose Recalex Alingasa Jr., the spokesman of Mayor Gustilo, said on Thursday that operatives of the NBI – Negros Island Region met on Wednesday with the mayor.
Once the investigation is underway, Alingasa said the NBI has requested the local government unit not to release any information on the case, until further notice.
Gustilo had sought the help of NBI on his signature being forged on the Notice of Awards, Notice to Proceed, Contract of Agreement, Certificate of Completion and Acceptance, and Certificate of Final Acceptance of the alleged flood control projects in the Palampas, Jigalaman, and Ando-on Rivers.
Based on the investigation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Engineering Office, Gustilo said they denied the existence of such projects allegedly being implemented by the three contractors.
Alingasa also disclosed earlier that Gustilo is willing to appear in a Senate inquiry, if invited, to shed light on the P306.4-million ghost flood control projects in his locality.*
