Dumaguete exec charged for favoring wife, aides

MANILA, Philippines — A former chief agriculturist in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental has been charged with graft for allegedly making his wife and two members of his staff beneficiaries of a government livelihood project.

Alfredo de los Santos, former officer-in-charge of the City Agriculture Office, reportedly picked his wife Cleta and his employees, Emelyn Gepana and Felicitas Barba, as beneficiaries of a swine fattening project in July 2004.

In a complaint filed recently with the Sandiganbayan, the Office of the Ombudsman said De los Santos’ action was done in bad faith and manifested partiality.

The ombudsman said De los Santos’ decision prejudiced other residents who were more qualified for the project and caused undue injury to the government.

The charge sheet was prepared by assistant special prosecutor Jorge Espinal and approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Bail of P30,000 was recommended for De los Santos’ provisional liberty.

City officials including human resource officer Ruperto Tenorio Jr., accountant Doreen Paulina Cordova, budget officer Antonieta General, treasurer Cristina Merced, agriculturist William Ablong and chief registrar Ruperta Baguasan will testify against De los Santos, the ombudsman said.