Graft raps ordered filed vs 2 former Ilocos govs

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the filing of a P26-million graft charge against former Ilocos Sur governors Luis “Chavit” Singson and Deogracias Victor Savellano for the alleged misuse of public funds.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said both should be indicted for separate counts of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

 Singson and Savellano were being charged for acts committed during their term from 1998 to 2001 and 2001 to 2003, respectively.

 The charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Estelita Cordero, chairperson for the Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) Foundation, on the alleged unlawful release of a total of P26,060,500 to Multi-Line Food Processing International Inc. (MFPII).

Singson had allegedly entered into four agreements with the firm in February, May and June of 2001 for the release of financial assistance in the amounts of P9.18 million, P4 million, P3 million, and P8 million to finance unspecified livelihood projects.

The last check was allegedly issued by Savellano, who assumed office as governor following the 2001 elections.  He allegedly entered into another agreement with MFPII in December 2001 for the grant of financial assistance worth P1,880,500 to fund a livelihood project.

Records show that the money was sourced from the province’s share of the proceeds of the tobacco excise tax.

The Ombudsman said Singson and Savellano acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross negligence when they repeatedly entered into the contract and approved the release of public funds.