2 ex-mayors in fertilizer, irrigation scams face raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of charges against two former mayors before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the fertilizer fund scam and an anomalous irrigation project.

Former Norala, South Cotabato mayor Romeo Januto will be indicted over the irregular procurement of P1.8 million worth of fertilizer in 2005. 

Municipal accountant Grace Mediana, municipal treasurer Carlos Bengil as well as bids and awards committee chairman Dominador Escucha Jr. and member Victor Balayon were named respondents in the case. 

The Commission on Audit said no public bidding was conducted for the contract that was awarded to RCS Trading in violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. 

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said the respondents acted with manifest partiality when they resorted to direct contracting as a mode of procurement.

Meanwhile, former Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental mayor Alex Wangkay face charges for alleged irregularities in the bidding for a P5-million water impounding project in 2009.

Roberto Semilla, R. Semilla Construction and Marketing proprietor, was included in the charge sheet.   

Morales said Wangkay ”extended unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to Semilla and deprived the government of the best possible advantages through open competition.”