Barili councilor charged for graft

CEBU, Philippines — A councilor of the municipality of Barili is facing an anti-graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for allegedly entering into a contract with a private firm for the purchased of a heavy duty rescue van without a resolution or ordinance.

Timoteo Pason, 70, a resident of Poblacion, Barili, Cebu, alleged that Jeremias Aguilar, who acted as officer-in-charge of Barili while Mayor Marlon Garcia was serving his suspension that started on August 2018, entered into a contract with Conequip.

Pason alleged Aguilar entered into a contract on September 14, 2018 even though the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of Barili only awarded the bidding on January 4, 2019.

Also, when Aguilar entered into a Deed of Absolute Sale, there was no fund available yet.

Pason said the heavy duty rescue van was actually paid as evidence. A memorandum dated February 19, 2019 issued by Aguilar ordered Edward Barolo, acting treasurer at that time, to issue a check for the payment of the heavy duty rescue van which was allegedly delivered on January 14, 2019.

The fund that was used in the purchase of heavy duty rescue van, Pason said, came from a financial assistance from the provincial government through Governor Hilario Davide III which was received by the municipal treasurer on November 28, 2018.

On September 26, 2018, the Sangguniang Bayan of Barili enacted a resolution requesting financial assistance from Davide in the amount of P6 million for the purchase of a mini dump truck.

However, the fund was allegedly used for the purchase of heavy duty rescue van.

Aguilar is set to answer the complaint filed. (FREEMAN)