Ex-Romblon gov charged over fertilizer scam
MANILA, Philippines - Former Romblon governor Eleandro Jesus Madrona and five former provincial officials have been charged by the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the fertilizer scam.
Madrona and the respondents – former provincial administrator Joel Sy, treasurer Ruby Fababeir, agriculturist Geishler Fadri, senior agriculturist Oscar Galos and general services officer Anthony Rugas – were charged for violating Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The accused allegedly gave unwarranted benefit, privilege and advantage to private company Feshan Philippines Inc., which bagged the contract for the supply of P4.8 million worth of liquid fertilizer.
Feshan representative Elisa Morales was also charged with the same offense.
In a complaint filed before the Sandiganbayan on Aug. 1, the ombudsman said that in 2004, the accused officials conspired to award the contract to Feshan.
Graft investigation and prosecution officer Marius Fitzgerald Veloso said the purchase was done without public bidding as required under RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The accused reportedly deprived the government the opportunity to get the most advantageous offer for the project.
The ombudsman recommended to Sandiganbayan P30,000 bail for each of the accused.
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