BY BEN ROSARIO
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THE Commission on Audit has been asked to stop the National Housing Authority from proceeding with the P1.12-billion compromise deal with a private contractor in connection with the bungled Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation Project.
Makabayan chairman Neri Colmenares made the appeal in a letter he sent to CoA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo, saying that he is contesting the ideal being a taxpayer and a public interest advocate.
Colmenares warned that the payment of P1.12 billion and transfer of five hectares of government land in Vitas, Tondo, Manila to private contractor R-II Builders Inc. at this time is ill-advised.
He said State auditors have already raised serious questions about the compromise agreement between the NHA and RII, noting that State auditors should have a copy of the document.
“At a time of severe economic hardship and as government resorts to borrowings to feed millions of hungry and jobless Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s unconscionable for NHA to disburse limited public funds to pay questionable settlement fees to a private entity,” Colmenares stressed.
The former Bayan Muna congressman also pointed out that the Office of the President has given instructions to NHA officials to seek the opinion of CoA before moving forward with the deal.
According to Colmenares, the State audit agency’s review and recommendation will still have to reviewed by Malacanang and Congress as provided under the Administrative Code of 1987.
