Ex-Antique governor convicted of graft over P5-M purchase

The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Antique governor Jovito Plameras of graft for the anomalous purchase of over P5 million worth of school desks and armchairs 11 years ago.

The anti-graft court’s third division has sentenced Plameras to imprisonment of up to 10 years for his failure to reimburse the provincial government about P2.65 million for the undelivered desks and armchairs during his term in 1997.

In a 49-page decision penned by Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz, the Sandiganbayan said it was not convinced by the defense of the former governor.

Associate Justices Francisco Villaruz Jr. and Norberto Geraldez concurred with the decision.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier, who accused Plameras of signing a purchase agreement with supplier CKL Enterprises on April 7, 1997 without any public bidding or an authorization from the Antique provincial board.

Under the contract, CKL was supposed to deliver 1,354 desks and 5,246 armchairs all worth P5.67 million. Delivery was supposed to be completed within 180 days from the signing of the contract.

Without waiting for the delivery, Plameras signed Sales Invoice No. 0220 acknowledging receipt of the correct number of desks and armchairs “in good order and condition” and accepted Land Bank of the Philippines Craft No. DB97121.

Court records showed that supplier Jesusa de la Cruz of CKL Enterprises was able to withdraw from the province’s bank account the full value of the contract even if the delivery was incomplete.

Plameras claimed he thought that a public bidding was no longer required because a representative of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (now DepEd) allegedly told him that it was no longer necessary. He, however, failed to identify the supposed DECS official in his testimony.

“The accused himself knew that public bidding was required. It bears emphasis that the accused was not born yesterday. He is a seasoned public official and, at the time of the transaction in question, was the governor of the province of Antique, not to mention that he is also a member of the bar,” the anti-graft court said.

It said Plameras used “unwarranted and improper speed in causing payment” to the supplier because payment was approved on April 24, 1997, while the initial delivery of the desks and armchairs was made on June 10, 1997, or two months later.

The Sandiganbayan said Plameras gave unwarranted benefits and advantage to the contractor while causing undue injury to the province of Antique.

“Every government official must learn by heart that a public office is a public trust. Faithful compliance with the law is a vital duty which every public official has to observe. Nothing less is expected. Lamentably, the accused failed to live by the standards expected of a public servant,” it said.