Ex-Baliuag mayor gets 8 years for graft

MANILA, Philippines — Former mayor Carolina Dellosa of Baliuag, Bulacan may spend up to eight years in prison in connection with the anomalous purchase of a sport utility vehicle in 2014.

In a 35-page decision promulgated on March 3, the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division found Dellosa guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Aside from the prison term, Dellosa was perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2019, the case stemmed from the award of a contract to Freeway Motor Sales of Baliuag Corp. for the supply of a Mitsubishi MIVEC Active Sports Crossover worth P1.198 million.

The ombudsman said Dellosa approved the award of the contract to Freeway Motor despite irregularities such as the use of direct contracting instead of public bidding without any valid justification.

Graft probers said Dellosa approved a bids and awards committee resolution recommending the award of the contract despite knowing that reference to a specific brand name of an item to be procured violates the Government Procurement Reform Act.

“As a result of her negligent act of approving the recommendation of the procurement ... unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference was given to Freeway Motor Sales of Baliuag Corp.,” the ruling read.