ALABEL, Sarangani -- Provincial administrator and concurrent planning officer Fredo Basino resigned from office Tuesday but denied his decision was due to graft and corruption issue under the current administration.

Basino, who tendered his irrevocable resignation to Governor Migs Dominguez, denounced in a press conference Tuesday text messages being circulated that there were irregularities in the purchase of heavy equipment in 2006 by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) under his watch.

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"As BAC chair, I just want to inform you that the conduct of the bidding, as far as I am concerned, is in accordance with RA (Republic Act) 9184," Basino pointed out.

Basino said the Ombudsman requested an investigation from the Commission on Audit because it was financial in nature.

"There were 18 suppliers (who) bidded. The amount loaned from the Land Bank of the Philippines was P155 million. Ang approved budget for the contract was P133 million. Ang actual contract was P110 million so ginansiya tayo ng something like P44 million," Basino said.

"Kaya nga I am confident as far as I presided the BAC, walang anomaly doon," he added.

"In the first place if you talk about graft and corruption, meaning you are going to enrich your pocket or yourself with the use of government fund. Eh, paano ka nag enrich ng self mo doon ng government eh P44 million ang savings mo," Basino said.

In Basino's resignation letter dated November 3, 2009, he thanked Dominguez "for the opportunity given me to serve under your administration in the past five (5) years. Rest assured, such honor and privilege will be treasured in the rest of my life. I just hope that I have come up to the measures and standards you have set for me to perform."

Basino's letter further stated "I am at the crossroads where there is a need for me to look beyond present realities towards the future and have the courage to respond properly to the demand of my potentials as a person, professional and leader."

At the press conference, Basino expressed his intention to run for vice governor in the province under the People's Champ Movement.

In 2001, Basino also resigned as PPDO under then Governor Priscilla Chiongbian to run as vice governor opposing Chiongbian's party. He lost.

Just last week, Basino, as one of the organizers of the tribal council in Sarangani, administered the adoption and conferment of Roy Chiongbian at the Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Day.

"In-adopt namin siya because we also loved Mommy. We recognized them (Chiongbian family)," Basino said.

Roy Chiongbian has made a formal declaration of running for Congress in Sarangani two weeks ago and has signed a covenant with the Sarangani tribal leaders to continue the legacy of his parents for the development of the indigenous people of the province.

Basino also denied any heartache with Governor Dominguez. In his letter, Basino thanked the governor for his continued trust, kindness and generosity. (SIO)