The Office of the Vice President (OVP) today said it found disturbing an on-going audit of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay’s projects during his term as Makati mayor, linking it to a reported demolition plan against the second highest official of the land.
The audit is reportedly being undertaken by a task force created “at the instance of Commissioner Heidi Mendoza”.
The audit covers programs and projects previously cleared by Makati resident auditors and special audit teams sent by Commission on Audit (COA) central office when the Vice President was mayor of the country’s financial district, particularly during the Arroyo administration when Binay headed the United Opposition. Binay was Makati mayor for 23 years.
“Commissioner Mendoza, we have been told, is insistent that these programs and projects again be subjected to audit,” said Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado.
“We also received information that a first round of review showed that the programs and projects were all above board and complied with all legal requirements, which is consistent with the earlier findings. A second review has reportedly been ordered,” he added.
An audit has recently been initiated on the Makati Friendship Suites, a condotel being run by the city government, on the basis of a letter sent by “concerned employees of Makati.”
“The timing of the Makati Friendship Suites audit is disturbing. And we feel strongly that the real target of the audit is the Vice President,” Salgado said.
The OVP official also said since early this year, the office has been receiving reports of a demolition plan against the Vice President.
“Statements have been made that the VP’s high ratings are good ‘only for today, but will not last until December.’ Apparently, the demolition has begun and the actions of Ms. Mendoza seem to be part of the plan,” he said.
“It saddens the Vice President that until now, there are some elements who will misuse government resources to persecute perceived political enemies,” he added.
Salgado also appealed to Commissioner Mendoza not to allow her personal opinion against the Vice President to influence her work.
“Commissioner Mendoza has been very vocal about her dislike for the Vice President and that she reportedly made her sentiments known to members of Congress and other government officials who have relayed the information to the Vice President,” he said.
“While we respect her opinion, we would like to remind Commissioner Mendoza that our personal opinions should not color our work or professional judgment, especially in such a politically-sensitive office,” he added.
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