Ex-Zambo mayor, 8 others face graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of charges against a former mayor of Zamboanga del Sur and eight other former local officials over a procurement anomaly.

Former Molave, Zamboanga del Sur mayor Flavio Saniel Jr., former bids and awards committee members Marcos Bahinting, Melita delos Santos, Gasmelba Felicitas, Nikki Omboy, Jerry delos Santos, Martin Blanco Jr., Lina Lou Gitalan and Eleuterio Galleto were named respondents in the case.

The charges stemmed from the findings of the Commission on Audit that the respondents procured medicine worth P1.8 million in 2009 through a “sham public bidding.”

Investigation showed the invitation to bid did not contain the approved budget for the contract, date of opening of bids and list of eligibility requirements.

The supplier allegedly delivered expired medicine that were overpriced by P997,193.60.

State auditors said the bidding scheme resulted in ghost deliveries amounting to P1,292,254.80.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales noted the haste in the procurement as the medicine were paid, delivered and inspected one day after the supposed bidding.