A group of complainants has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate former Antique governor Rhodora Cadiao, eight provincial officials, and a private contractor over alleged irregularities in the P531.26-million Antique Government Center project.
Complainants Jon Sherwin Pacete and Wilson Geronimo filed the criminal and administrative complaint on Wednesday, March 11, alleging that the provincial government under Cadiao allowed the release of project funds even though the 6.4-hectare site in Barangay aBadiang, San Jose de Buenavista remained classified as agricultural land.
Pacete and Geronimo said the municipal council of San Jose de Buenavista had already denied the province’s request to reclassify the property in 2023. Despite this, the provincial government proceeded with the construction of the government center.
They also said contractor F. Gurrea Construction Inc. continued working on the project until 2025, when the municipal government ordered a work stoppage due to alleged violations of the National Building Code.
A certification issued by the municipality on February 18 also stated that the project had not secured a building permit.
Despite these issues, the complainants alleged that the provincial government released mobilization fees and a “partial progress payment” totaling P531.26 million to the contractor.
Aside from Cadiao and the contractor, the complaint named provincial accountant Esther Minnie Julian, provincial treasurer Joyce Suriaga, and provincial engineer Inocencio Dajao Jr. as respondents.
Also included are members of the province’s Bids and Awards Committee: Nicolasito Calawag Jr., Nery Duremdes, Rachel Gindap, Bienvenido Nallos Jr., and Ren Oberio.
According to the complainants, the respondents violated Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Articles 171 and 220 of the Revised Penal Code.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.