PNP forms team to probe ‘overpriced’ bunkhouses for Yolanda survivors

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a six-man team to look into the alleged overpricing of bunkhouses being built for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

At a press briefing Wednesday, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Tagalong, chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the team has already been deployed in Eastern Visayas for the investigation.

The CIDG chief did not name the members of the investigating team, which he said was a mix of police officers from the PNP headquarters and the Eastern Visayas office.

“Basta nag-umpisa kaming magkaroon ng preliminary investigation. Mayroon na kaming tao doon,” Tagalong told reporters.

He added that the CIDG already established some “sources of information” in the area, but will not be inviting personalities for questioning any time soon.

Overpricing?

On Monday, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, citing information from the group Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), reported alleged overpricing and substandard work on the construction of temporary shelters for Yolanda survivors.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, led by Secretary Rogelio Singson, have denied irregularities in the construction of the bunkhouses. Singson even offered to resign if overpricing in these projects are proven.

Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson earlier said he has sought the help of the CIDG in investigating the involvement of at least one politician in the reported irregularity.

Lacson said he has asked the police to assist in probing reports of 30 to 35 percent commissions received by certain individuals from the bunkhouse project.

Over 1.1 million houses were damaged or destroyed by Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons to ever make landfall, in early November. A total of 6,183 individuals have been confirmed dead due to the super typhoon, based on latest government records.

'Counterproductive'

Senate President Franklin Drilon, for his part, described allegations of overpricing in the construction of bunkhouses in Yolanda-hit areas as “counterproductive.”

In a statement Wednesday, Drilon, who is aligned with the administration, said DPWH's attention “is badly needed elsewhere.”

Drilon was also all praises for Singson, even describing him as “the most honest, efficient, and decisive Public Works secretary he has seen throughout the last few administrations.”

“The secretary’s recent offer to immediately resign if the allegations of overpricing are proven to be true is an admirable sign of class and character befitting a true public servant,” Drilon said. — Andreo Calonzo/KBK, GMA News