Graft raps filed vs PTA’s Barbers

Graft, misconduct and technical malversation complaints were filed on Monday at the Office of the Ombudsman against Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean Barbers. Complainants Nixon Kua and former PTA general manager Angelito Banayo accused Barbers of defying an earlier order of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano when Barbers pursued the construction of the PTA Sports Complex in Intramuros Manila. Durano earlier issued an order stopping the project’s construction that will allegedly cost P 24.7 million under Barber’s supervision. The complainants said the budget approved by the PTA Board for the project was only P 15 million. They also alleged that Barbers failed to consult the board when he authorized the transfer of the construction site from Victoria St. in Revellin de Recolestos to the Club Intramuros Golf Course Driving Range. Kua and Banayo said the transfer of the site required another public bidding, which did not happen because the project remains under its original contractor - I. A. Bosque Construction Corp. “Respondent Barbers is guilty of causing undue injury not only to the government but to the Filipino people... He recklessly put to naught the historical value and importance of the Walled City, a much-treasured place in the country," they said. - GMANews.TV