Ex-lawmaker wants ‘pork’ raps dismissed

MANILA, Philippines - A former congressman of North Cotabato has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft and malversation charges filed against him in connection with the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel in 2007.

In a 15-page motion recently filed before the sixth division of the anti-graft court, Gregorio Ipong said the cases filed against him were “fatally insufficient and defective” in substance.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on Aug. 1, the cases stemmed from Ipong’s alleged endorsement of Aaron Foundation Philippines Inc. (AFPI) to implement livelihood projects amounting to P4.9 million without public bidding.

Graft probers said AFPI was not accredited to carry out the projects. Field investigation showed the projects were never implemented.

In his motion, Ipong said mere endorsement of AFPI does not constitute any crime and was part of his duties as a legislator.

Ipong also noted that the Commission on Audit circular, which requires public bidding in the selection of non-government organizations for the implementation of PDAF projects, was not yet in effect when he identified AFPI.

Ipong said the ombudsman also violated his constitutional right to speedy trial since it took the agency almost 10 years to file the cases.

The ombudsman dismissed Ipong as vice governor last year over another graft case also for the alleged misuse of his PDAF.