Ex-Romblon mayor indicted over irrigation project scam

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday ordered the filing of graft charges against a former municipal mayor in Romblon for awarding an irrigation project without conducting a public bidding eight years ago.

Former Looc mayor Juliet Ngo-Fiel was indicted along with members of the bids and awards committee (BAC) identified as Solomon Gregorio, Renato Saludaga, Jessie Jomadiao, Wilma Pastor and Rolando Gregorio.

The ombudsman said the respondents conspired with one another in awarding the project.

Investigation showed that in 2007, the municipal government received a P9-million grant from the Department of Agriculture for the rehabilitation of a water impounding project.

Fiel awarded the P8.99-million deal to the lone bidder, R.G. Florentino Construction and Trading.

The Commission on Audit discovered several irregularities in the bidding, such as the lack of certificate of fund availability and valid bid security, the publication of the invitation to bid was paid for by the contractor and the non-posting of the invitation in the Philippine Government Electronic-Procurement.

The respondents claimed good faith, saying the municipality was cash-strapped when it allowed the contractor to pay for the publication of the invitation to bid.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said the respondents committed irregularities when they granted unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference to the private contractor.

The ombudsman said Fiel and the BAC members were ordered dismissed from their posts in August in an administrative case that stemmed from the same transaction.