Ex-Marikina school exec, 6 others face graft charges

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman ordered yesterday the filing of graft charges against a former president of Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) and six current officials of the school.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said the cases stem from various irregular bidding and procurement transactions from 2005 to 2006, allegedly orchestrated to suit favored bidders and or contractors.

Morales ordered the filing of charges against former MPC president Manuel Pangilinan, procurement officer Juanito Macapanas and four officials who were with the bids and awards committee during the period in question – chairman Efren Azares and members Alejandrina Ancheta and Ermielinda Flaminiano and Saturnino Quintal.

The suspects were accused of awarding projects prior to the deadline set for the submission of bids, splitting contracts, overpricing, non-submission of eligibility requirements, lack of purchase requests and lack of approved budget for contract documents.