Eastern Samar town execs’ conviction for graft affirmed

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of four officials of Guiuan, Eastern Samar in connection with the anomalous procurement of a P1.99-milion fire truck.

In a resolution dated Oct. 14, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division said the respondents failed to raise any meritorious argument in their appeals, which seek to reverse their conviction for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The respondents were identified as Guiuan budget officer Esperanza Cotin, planning development officer Ma. Nenita Ecleo, administrative officer Felipe Padual and market supervisor Danilo Colandog.

The court said the respondents, who were members of the bids and awards committee, committed negligence when they resorted to negotiated procurement instead of conducting a public bidding.

The Sixth Division earlier sentenced the respondents to six to eight years in prison and disqualified them from holding public office.

The anti-graft court acquitted the primary accused in the case, Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, after the prosecution failed to prove her participation in the procurement contract.