Marquez cleared in overpriced bullets deal

MANILA, Philippines - Former Parañaque City mayor Joey Marquez was acquitted yesterday in a graft case involving the purchase of allegedly overpriced bullets for his close-in security personnel 20 years ago.

The Sandiganbayan cleared him of criminal liability amid accusations that the government transaction was irregular and anomalous.

In its decision, the anti-graft court’s Second Division also acquitted Ofelia Caunan, former head of the city government’s general services office.

“In view of the finding of the court that the imputation of overpricing has not been adequately and conclusively proven, the element of undue injury to the government has not been satisfactorily established,” the Sandiganbayan said.

The Office of the Ombudsman indicted Marquez in 2003 based on a Commission on Audit report that found the city government’s P3.2-million purchase of bullets in 1995, 1997, and 1998 was overpriced by some P1.2 million.

Allegedly, the purchase contract was awarded to VMY Trading without conducting a bidding, a move that violates the rules on government procurement.

Marquez was convicted by the Sandiganbayan of graft for his alleged involvement in the purchase of reportedly overpriced broomsticks when he was mayor but the Supreme Court acquitted him.