Ex-Sulu governor charged over fertilizer scam

MANILA, Philippines — A former governor of Sulu has been charged along with three others in connection with their alleged involvement in the fertilizer scam.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and criminal charges against  former Sulu governor Yusop Hussin Jikiri, provincial accountant Mussah Lasa Jumsali, treasurer Amilkadra Amilasan and Department of Agriculture regional director Oscar Parawan. 

The charges, filed recently with the Sandiganbayan, stemmed from the procurement of soil conditioner and organic fertilizer worth P3.25 million in 2004.

Anti-graft probers said the respondents violated Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, as no public bidding was conducted for the project. 

The respondents allegedly gave unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to private supplier Rim Allied Merchandise. 

The ombudsman said the transaction caused undue injury to the government.

Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge Espinal recommended P30,000 bail for  each of the respondents.