8 barangay officials, 3 others sued for graft

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) has filed criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Barangay Captain Mario Maribao Temblor of Saavedra, Moalboal, Cebu, and 10 others for alleged for alleged dishonest and corrupt practice through deliberate manipulation and falsification of pertinent public documents.

The charges were formally lodged last June 13 following an investigation by NBI-7 as directed by NBI director judge Jaime Santiago.

The probe centered on the questionable procurement process and implementation of the rehabilitation of the Barangay Saavedra Day-Care Center and acquisition of a mini dump truck in 2024.

Aside from Temblor, also charged were Bids and Awards Committee (BBAC) chairman Jay Buagas Diaz, BBAC vice chairman and barangay councilwoman Marifel Abalorio, barangay councilor and BBAC vice chairman Fidel Abrenica, barangay councilwoman and BBAC Secretary/Member Annie Laurie Benitez, barangay councilman and BBAC member Edgar Bajao, BBAC Technical Working Group member Ana Rose Temblor, and former barangay treasurer and BBAC TWG member Miraflor Cutanda.

Sibalom Glass, Aluminum, Construction Supply and Services owners Gershon Mena and Rudy Ng; and their partner Charlie Tan were also charged.

The complaint was filed by concerned residents Elma Gabunada and Josie Alvarico, who raised red flags on the irregularities in the bidding and construction timeline of the day-care center’s rehabilitation and for the pre-bid for the mini dump truck for barangay use.

The NBI-7 said that on July 26, 2024, the BBAC convened to hold a public bidding for two projects: the day-care rehabilitation and a mini dump truck acquisition.

It alleged that only two BBAC officials attended the bidding, despite procurement rules requiring a quorum.

It said that Sibalom Glass, Aluminum, Construction Supply and Services was the sole bidder and even without a proper bidding outcome or award, materials were delivered on July 28, and construction began August 1.

By mid-September, NBI-7 said that the rehabilitation appeared finished based on photographic evidence.

However, official documents were allegedly doctored to show that bidding occurred on October 14, a notice to proceed was issued on October 30, and completion was dated November 11 --compressing a month-long project into just 11 days on paper.

“A disbursement of ?280,639.01 was processed on November 20, with Sibalom issuing a receipt for the same amount,” the NBI said.

Complainants also cited that Barangay Captain Temblor hosted Sibalom representatives at his birthday party on July 22, 2024, four days before the official bidding --which is a strong indication that they were prior acquaintances.

If found guilty under RA 3019, the accused face up to 10 years in prison, perpetual disqualification from public office, and forfeiture of assets.

Also, under RA 9184, penalties may include up to 15 years of imprisonment, civil liabilities, and blacklisting of involved private parties from future government transactions. Likewise, private individuals colluding with public officers may be permanently disqualified from transacting with the government. —  Nicholas Jon Malaga (FREEMAN)