Palawan governor appeals indictment
MANILA, Philippines — Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to reconsider its ruling to file graft charges against him in connection with an alleged anomalous water supply deal.
In a motion for reconsideration dated March 19, Alvarez through his lawyer Fiorello Azura said the ombudsman erred in its Oct. 23 ruling, which found probable cause to indict him and other former officials of Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD).
Alvarez said the ombudsman made sweeping allegations of conspiracy.
The case stemmed from a bulk water supply contract that COWD entered with Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. on Dec. 23, 2004. Alvarez was president of the water district at the time.
Graft probers said Alvarez “conspired” with COWD officials to award the contract to his consortium and proceeded with the project even though the firm was disqualified by the bids and awards committee.
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