Sandigan to proceed with trial of Olongapo mayor, vice mayor

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has found sufficient ground to proceed with the trial of Mayor Rolen Paulino and Vice Mayor Aquilino Cortez Jr. of Olongapo in connection with the graft charges filed against them over the alleged anomalous award of a contract for the lease and development of the Olongapo City Civic Center.

Records at the Sandiganbayan’s second division showed that Paulino, Cortez and their co-accused posted bail of P30,000 each on April 11 after the court issued a resolution on April 8 ordering their arrest.

Councilors Elena Dabu, Benjamin Cajudo II, Eduardo Guerrero, Noel Atienza, Alruela Bundang-Ortiz, Edna Elane, Emerito Linus Bacay, Randy Sionzon and Egmidio Gonzalez Jr. were included in the charge sheets.

City planning and development officer Tony-Kar Balde III, accountant Cristiflor Buduhan, legal officer Anna Marin Sison, administrator Mamerto Malabute and budget officer Joy Cahilig are the other respondents in the case.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Paulino conspired with the members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod and special bids and awards committee in the award of the 25-year-contract with “undue haste.”

The ombudsman said the respondents violated laws governing the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of government infrastructure projects by the private sector.

Under Republic Act 6957 as amended by RA 7718 and its implementing rules and regulations, contracts can only be awarded 60 days after the publication of the last invitation to bid.

Proposed projects by the private sector should be endorsed to the Investment Coordination Committee and the National Economic and Development Authority.The draft lease agreement should be submitted to the Office of the Government Corporate Council for review.

Paulino and his co-accused were suspended for six months last March also in connection with the case.