Sandigan affirms North Cotabato governor’s suspension

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government should implement the suspension order on North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, the Sandiganbayan has reiterated.

The anti-graft court dismissed Catamco’s appeal to reconsider its ruling ordering her suspension for 90 days in connection with the charges she is facing over the  fertilizer fund scam.

“The arguments raised by the accused are essentially a rehash of her previous arguments and have been considered by the court,” the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division said in a resolution promulgated on Aug. 1.

The court said Catamco’s suspension is mandatory in accordance with Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Sandiganbayan found no merit in Catamco’s claim that the law could not be applied in her case because she was a private individual when the alleged irregularities were committed. 

The court said the law does not require or mention that an incumbent public officer must be in government service at the time of the commission of an offense or filing of a case.

The charges filed against Catamco stemmed from the award by the municipal government of Poro, Cebu of a P5-million contract to Perzebros Co. without public bidding.

Catamco and her former husband Pompey Reyes owned Perzebros.

The contract was for the supply of 3,333 bottles of liquid fertilizer at P1,500 each. The Commission on Audit found out that it was overpriced by P1,092 per bottle.

Poro Mayor Edgar Rama is the principal accused in the cases.

Catamco is facing another graft case in connection with a contract that the municipal government of Lazi, Siquijor awarded to Perzebros in January 2005, also for the supply of liquid fertilizer.