Ex-mayor facing raps overdeal with own firm

MANILA, Philippines - A former municipal mayor in Northern Samar is facing charges for allegedly allowing his company to enter into a business transaction with the local government.

The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday said it would file criminal cases against former Pambujan town mayor Rogelio Tan for violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Records show that in October 2007, Tan allowed the procurement of snacks worth P7,300 from his company, Siertan Agrivet Supply, for use of the municipal government.

In April 2009, Tan again tapped his firm to supply dressed chicken, spaghetti sauce and hotdog amounting to P12,404.

The ombudsman rejected Tan’s claims that the amounts involved were minimal and that he would sometimes spend his own money for the municipality’s expenses.

Graft probers said the Local Government Code prohibits any public official or employee to engage in any business transaction with a government unit that he or she represents.

Investigators said the graft charges against Tan and members of the bids and awards committee – Algy Amadeo Sosing, Amancio Acedera Jr., Fernando Socorro, Zosimo Siervo and Eva Bacarra, and suppliers Soledad Tan and Generoso Rojo – were dismissed for lack of probable cause.