Ex-Tarlac town mayor faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has filed charges against six former officials of Mayantoc town in Tarlac, including its former mayor Tito Razalan, in connection with an alleged anomalous memorial park project in 2009.

Razalan, municipal bids and awards committee chairman Rodolfo Corpuz; BAC members Nilda Salazar, Florence Bueno, Marilene Bedania and Juan Bala, and Jose de Guzman Jr. of JQG Construction were charged with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Sandiganbayan on April 20.

Based on the charge sheet, the respondents conspired in giving “unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference” to De Guzman by awarding to JQG a contract amounting to P24.783 million for the construction of the Mayantoc Memorial Park despite irregularities and violations during the bidding.

The ombudsman said De Guzman received full payment despite non-completion of the project.

Bail was recommended at P30,000 each.