MANILA, Philippines — Former Capiz governor Vicente Bermejo is facing charges before the Sandiganbayan over the provincial government’s alleged anomalous purchase of second-hand vehicles in 2007.
Bermejo was charged with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 301 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by the Office of the Ombudsman last April 6.
Based on the charge sheet prepared by assistant special prosecutor Jorge Espinal, the provincial government bought three Mitsubishi Pajeros and an Isuzu Elf worth P1.95 million from Philippine Pan Subic Ventures Inc. without public bidding.
The ombudsman said the purchase of the vehicles “deprived” the government of the opportunity to obtain the best possible price.
Investigation also showed that the checks for the purchase of the vehicles were issued under Bermejo’s name instead of Philippine Pan Subic Ventures Inc.
“The fact that the check intended for the payment of the vehicles was issued in respondent’s name would further show the irregularity in the purchase. There is nothing in the records to justify why the check was not made directly to the seller,” the ombudsman resolution read.
The ombudsman recommended bail of P30,000.