‘Chavit’ faces graft raps

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and five incumbent officials of the province were sued yesterday for graft by three of their constituents in connection with the "ghost" purchase of a P9.5-million backhoe last year.

Named Singson’s co-respondents in the case filed with the Ombudsman were Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, general services officer Ernie Mendoza, provincial administrator Ma. Victoria Cu, budget officer Erlita Arce and treasurer Antonio Gundran.

Complainants Araial Ilustre, David Roca and Nestor Segismundo said the six Ilocos Sur officials should be haled to court for claiming to have bought in February 2000 a brand-new JCB 4CX back hoe, which local auditors say cannot be found.

During a turnover last June, Singson reportedly told the Commission on Audit that the excavating machine was delivered but had to be sent back to the supplier "due to defects found during an inspection."

However, the local officials could not present proof that the heavy equipment was indeed returned to supplier Compressed Air Machineries and Equipment Corp. (CAMEC) or if there was any request for a replacement.

"Singson and the others, by their official actions, have clearly allowed CAMEC, a third party, to receive unwarranted benefits to the damage and prejudice of the government and the people of the Philippines," the complainants said.

They argued that even if the back hoe had been sent back to CAMEC for replacement, the one-year lapse is tantamount to "gross and inexcusable negligence to the benefit of the supplier."

The complainants asked Ombudsman Aniano Desierto to suspend incumbent officials for three months to prevent them from tampering with documents or from harassing possible witnesses.

Singson, who had accused former President Estrada of receiving kickbacks from illegal gambling operations and tobacco excise taxes, was granted immunity from plunder charges for being a key witness in the trial of the impeached leader in the Senate last year.

Singson said yesterday charges filed against him by civic group Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) were merely a front for the Partido ng Masang Pilipino, Estrada’s political party.

"I have evidence to prove that this group is being funded by the party," he said.

Singson said the undertaking is part of an orchestrated campaign to discredit his credibility as a witness in Estrada’s plunder trial. – With Teddy Molina