SC upholds ER’s graft conviction over boatmen’s insurance deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the graft conviction of former Laguna governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito in connection with an illegal insurance contract for boatmen and tourists that he approved as mayor of Pagsanjan in 2008.

In a 16-page decision promulgated on Feb. 5,y the SC found Ejercito guilty of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for awarding the contract to an unlicensed insurance provider.

Aside from Ejercito, the high tribunal also convicted Marilyn Bruel, owner of insurance firm First Rapids Care Ventures (FRCV). Both were sentenced to up to eight years in prison and disqualified from holding public office.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the United Boatmen Association of Pagsanjan, which accused Ejercito and other local officials of awarding the insurance contract intended for tourists and boatmen at the Pagsanjan Gorge Tourist Zone without public bidding.

The SC rejected Ejercito’s claim that the FRCV was the only qualified insurance provider and public bidding was not necessary.

The high court said the contract required competitive bidding as provided under the Government Procurement Reform Act since insurance is classified as “goods.”

It said exceptions from competitive bidding are allowed  in rare cases such as emergencies and multiple bidding attempts.