Former Tejero captain, SK head charged for graft

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted the former barangay captain and the Sangguniang Kabataan chairwoman of Tejero for graft and corruption because of their refusal to pay for the cellular phones which they ordered and received.

Assistant special prosecutor Pamela Baring-Uy filed the case before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City for violation of Section 3(e) of the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Barangay Captain Leto Fajardo and SK chairwoman Jackelyn Misa based on the recommendation of the Ombudsman Visayas.

The anti-graft office found probable cause to hold the two barangay officials for trial because of their refusal to pay the P196,000 to the supplier of the 14 Nokia 3230 cellphones they ordered in 2006 for use by SK members.

The two barangay officials have also repeatedly ignored summons from the anti-graft body for them to submit counter-affidavits to answer the complaint against them.

Wendy Yap, proprietor of Carry All Trading located at Escario St. Cebu City, complained that Fajardo and Misa refused to pay the cellular phones she delivered to them in November 6, 2006.

The items were received by Misa in good condition. However, the two accused refused to process the billing for payment despite the certification of the availability of funds by the barangay treasurer.

Yap said she repeatedly sent demand letters but were just ignored by the accused prompting her to file a complaint with the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman’s recommended bail for the temporary liberty of the accused is P30,000 each. — Fred P. Languido/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)