TF Hanjin uncovers P18-M fund mess

SUBIC, Zambales – Task Force Hanjin, a probe body created by the provincial government here, has uncovered a graft case in connection with the P18-million fund intended for infrastructure development of a resettlement site.

Zambales Governor Amor Deloso said that the task force headed by former Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain has unearthed the anomalous infrastructure projects which deprived the relocated residents of better facilities.

Deloso, alleged that most of the P18-million financial support fund provided by the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, Inc. (HHIC) for various infrastructure projects were wasted due to massive graft and corruption allegedly committed by local government officials and erring contractors.

In a report, Lacbain noted the lack of school facilities, potable water supply, road network, and drainage system in the Agusuhin relocation site despite of huge allocation of funds intended for these infrastructure development.

Hanjin officials, meanwhile, have reportedly refused to add more funding for the improvement of the relocation site unless the P18 million funds earlier released would be properly audited by its recipient. (Franco G. Regala)