Mayor charged over overpriced thermal scanners

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, Philippines  – A lawyer has filed charges against Mayor Darwin Estrañero of Tabuk City, Kalinga in connection with the purchase of allegedly overpriced medical supplies.

In a 16-page complaint-affidavit, Errol Comafay Jr. of Barangay Bulanao, Tabuk City filed criminal and administrative charges against Estrañero for allegedly violating the price freeze imposed by the government due to the pandemic.

In the affidavit, obtained by The STAR  yesterday, Comafay urged the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Estrañero.

The city government reportedly procured at least 100 thermal scanners at P12,000 each or a total of P1.2 million from a pharmaceutical outlet in Cauayan City, Isabela.

The price is reportedly higher than the regular price of the item, which ranges from P599 to around P3,400 each.

Aside from thermal scanners, Estrañero also reportedly purchased overpriced bottles of alcohol and personal protective equipment.