Graft raps filed vs ex-EMB head over ODS imports

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) filed graft charges yesterday against a former director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for allegedly issuing pre-importation clearances on so-called "ozone-depleting substances (ODS)" to eight unqualified companies.

In a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, the DENR alleged that former EMB head Peter Anthony Abaya violated provisions of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also named in the complaint was Antonio Ortigas, president of Elite Adjusters and Surveyors Inc., one of the recipients of the pre-importation clearances.

Abaya, incidentally, is one of the staunch critics of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez who are opposing his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.

DENR Undersecretary Gregorio Cabantac said the graft complaint stemmed from the affidavit of current EMB director Julian Amador that Abaya allegedly allowed unqualified companies to import and handle ODS without proper screening or evaluation by the Philippine Ozone Desk (POD).

He said even officials of the World Bank-funded POD issued separate affidavits, alleging that Abaya had bypassed their office in issuing the pre-importation clearances.

Cabantac denied that the complaint has anything to do with Abaya’s opposition to Alvarez’s confirmation. — Katherine Adraneda