The project manager of Bohol Irrigation Stage 2 unleased last week a barrage of verbal attacks calculated to impeach the credibility of Engr. Petronilo Sarigumba as a whistle blower. Ever since he assumed the role of whistle blower of all the projects initiated by the National Irrigation Administration, Engr. Sarigumba virtually became a one-man wrecking crew earning him the “accolade” of an adoring public. Engr. Sarigumba was at it again when he brought last week the Probe Team, an investigative TV program of ABS-CBN hosted by Cheche Lazaro. At the receiving end of Sarigumba's expose' was Engr. Modesto Membreve, project manager of the multi-million Bayongan Dam. This project in San Miguel town was in the news after proponents asked cost overruns amounting to P1.3 billion. Already consumed by the project was P3.6 billion. The National Economic Development Authority under then secretary Romulo Neri balked at the idea of requesting more funds saying that any approval for additional money was tantamount to making the project the most expensive irrigation facility in the entire country. The coming of the Probe Team came at a time when Engr. Membreve has his hands full parrying criticisms from all directions arising from the request for more funds of the NIA project. Compounding Membreve's woes were accusations about a vehicle purchase amounting to P7million. Asked to confirm the allegations, he said he asked for an appropriation of P15 million in as many vehicles but Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only P7 million and good for seven units. Membreve's critics zeroed in on allegations that two of the vehicles—an Isuzo D'Max and Isuzu Crosswind were for use by Gov. Erico Aumentado and Cong. Roberto Cajes, respectively. The rest of the fleet is now being used by NIA.

MEMBREVE FIGHTS BACK

Describing Sarigumba's role as watchdog of public funds, Membreve's said “one should be like Ceasar's wife who is beyond reproach.” Engr. Membreve cited specific incidents to drive home his point that Engr. Sarigumba is not “whistle clean” after all. In putting Engr. Sarigumba on the spot,Engr. Membreve dared his tormentor to return a brand new Mitsubishi Strada which he allegedly bought from the proceeds of a NIA project. According to Engr.Membreve, Sarigumba encashed a check of P2million belonging to Biliran Construction which is undertaking a spillway project of the NIA in Talibon. This information was relayed to Membreve by Engr. Marcelino Biliran, owner of the construction firm. Confronted of Membreve's tirades, Sarigumba said he bought the Strada pickup from his own personal funds. He denied being connected to the construction company and it so happens that its owner is a close friend. Told that Sarigumba is always seen in the area where the construction is going on, Engr. Membreve said the truth of the matter is that the former is working as manager of Biliran Construction. Sarigumba's usual defense of his supposed link with the construction outfit is that if ever he was seen in Talibon it was because he was monitoring the NIA project. Sarigumba who is a former NIA official was credited of having blown the whistle of the so-called P120 million NIA Talibon scam.