2 more graft complaints filed vs ex-EMB head

Two more graft complaints were filed yesterday against a former official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), also in connection with the alleged irregular importation of ozone-depleting substances.

But Peter Anthony Abaya, former director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), dismissed the charges as a "last-ditch effort to destroy my credibility" before the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Abaya is a known critic of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez whose confirmation is still pending before the CA.

To date, Abaya faces three graft complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman and an administrative case with the DENR.

Gregorio Cabantac, DENR undersecretary for legal, lands and international affairs, said Abaya was found to have violated the anti-graft law for having allowed the irregular and excessive ODS importation by issuing pre-importation clearances to two unqualified companies, Maris Marketing Corp. and Shezura Marketing.

Aside from Abaya, Jose Marcelo and Samuel Olivar, presidents of Maris and Shezura, respectively, were named respondents in the third graft complaint.

DENR records purportedly show that neither Maris nor Shezura was registered with the department as qualified ODS importers. Both firms also had no recommendation for approval from the Philippine Ozone Desk, as mandated by the Chemical Control Order.

Earlier, Abaya was rapped for issuing a pre-importation clearance to another unqualified firm, Elite Adjusters and Surveyors Inc.

The DENR is expected to file five more graft complaints against Abaya over the issuance of similar clearances to five other companies. — Katherine Adraneda, Jose Rodel Clapano