Sorsogon mayor faces graft charges

MANILA, Philippines — The mayor of Bulan, Sorsogon is facing graft charges for allegedly overpaying a private firm that constructed a bus terminal in 2007.

Helen de Castro violated Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to a private party, according to a complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan, a copy of which was released yesterday.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approved the filing of charges last Oct. 10. De Castro was indicted only last Dec. 11.

Municipal engineer Toby Gonzales Jr. and Shirley Baldon, owner of S.R. Baldon Construction and Supply, were named respondents in the case.

The ombudsman said De Castro and Gonzales conspired in giving unwarranted benefit to Baldon when they did not deduct P145,770 from the total amount paid to the firm.

The court said De Castro should have issued an order to deduct the amount, which represents the damages for the company’s delay in the installation of an additional transformer at the main building of the bus terminal.

The ombudsman recommended bail at P30,000 each.