The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the criminal and administrative cases filed against former Makati City mayor Romulo Peña Jr. in connection with the alleged anomalous contract signed by the city government with Goldilocks for the birthday cakes given to senior citizens.
The complaint filed by one "John Doe" said that the Goldilocks cake project intended for the Makati elderly on their birthdays was anomalous and overpriced.
But based on the decision signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on May 15, 2017, the Office found that the contract was not malicious and disadvantageous to the City Government, and that Peña did not exert any influence upon the Bids and Awards Committee that granted the contract to Goldilocks.
It stated that partiality of Peña in favor of Goldilocks was not proven and the elements of Grave Misconduct under Republic Act 3019 were not established by the complainant.
“During my tenure, it is my goal to give the people of Makati, especially the senior citizens and the disadvantaged sector, the best and whatever contract that the city government entered into during my term was for the good of the people of Makati and the city government,” Peña said in a statement.
Peña said he sees no problem with the cake-giving benefit, but he believes that the city government should give Makati elders more than just cake during their special occasions.
“Goldilocks offered the best cake for our senior citizens and at a cost most favorable to the city government. I thank the people of Makati for supporting me, and the Office of the Ombudsman for dismissing the case maliciously filed against me,” he said.
Peña said he has consistently provided assistance and services to the people of Makati even in his personal capacity. To date, he has granted 300 wheelchairs to senior citizens, not counting those given to the persons with disability.
Aside from birthday cakes, the senior citizens of Makati under the BLU Card program are also entitled to cash gifts ranging from P2,000 to P4,000 a year, based on age brackets, while centenarians were granted P100,000 cash gift.
Other privileges accorded to Makati seniors include unlimited free entrance to premier cinemas in Makati, free tours in Metro Manila and other parts of the country through “Lakbay Saya”, free salon and spa services, cakes on their golden wedding anniversary, free medical care/hospitalization, and free and subsidized medicines for maintenance and various illnesses.
Elders are also exempted from the city’s number coding scheme, and upon their death, their beneficiaries are entitled to burial assistance.