Probe starts on P2.2-M SEA Games bicycle scam

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has started looking into an alleged P2.2-million overpricing of bicycles and equipment used by cyclists who participated in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2007. Assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni sent letters to the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Cycling Federation (PhilCycling), and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) last February 26. In a statement on the Ombudsman website, Jalandoni said the three were asked for copies of all documents relative to the complaint filed by the RP National Team. Jalandoni, head of the Field Investigation Office, said that they expect to receive the said documents this week, including the status of the investigation of the PSC and the POC. Earlier, the RP National Cycling Team filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against the head and members of the RP Cycling Team Coaching Panel, officers and employees of the PSC, and Board Members of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) for alleged conspiracy in the purchase of bicycle parts, supplies and equipment amounting to P2,239,130. Included in the complaint for graft and violation of the government ethics code were Manuel Ibay, Head of the Property and Supply of the PSC; Head Coach Jommel Lorenzo of the RP Cycling Team Coaching Panel; and coaching staff Renato Dolosa, Dindo Quirimit, Frederick Parr and Dante Valdez. The cyclists claimed that some of the parts bought by the PSC and turned over to Lorenzo, such as helmets, finger gloves and bike tires were not issued to members of the team. Also, they said some of those issued were of lower quality than those specified in the official list. On the other hand, the cyclists said they filed an earlier complaint against Head Coach Lorenzo before PhilCycling but the same was ignored. Instead, the cyclists received an insulting letter from PhilCycling Board Member Fred Corda. Also, some of the complainants said Lorenzo fired them, with the apparent approval of the PhilCycling Board. - GMANews.TV