Ex-Surigao gov arrested for graft case

Sheriffs of the Sandiganbayan arrested yesterday a former governor of Surigao del Norte who, along with 11 others, is facing graft charges for the alleged overpricing of pharmaceutical products.

Former governor Francisco Matugas was nabbed upon his arrival from the United States at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Matugas, who served as Surigao del Norte governor for three terms, was immediately whisked off to the Sandiganbayan where he underwent fingerprinting and posted P30,000 bail. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Edgardo Labella.

The Office of the Ombudsman indicted Matugas, along with six other provincial officials and five private individuals, for the alleged overpricing of pharmaceutical products which the provincial government purchased from five companies from 1996 to 1998.

The other accused are provincial treasurer Antioco Bonono, accountant Daisy Andit, budget officer Virginia Yuipco, services officer Zenon Eupena, administrator Carlos Egay and Sally Plaza.

The private individuals included in the case are Joemel Tinio Yu, Jesse Penaranda, Vivian Ortiza, Ernesto Bravo and Francisco Reyes.