Ex-mayor convicted for buying P120,000 computer

MANILA, Philippines — A former mayor of San Manuel, Pangasinan was tried and convicted for buying an overpriced computer unit using government money in 1998.

The Sandiganbayan said Salvador Perez bought a single desktop computer for P120,000 without public bidding despite its steep price.

The Office of the Ombudsman said in a statement Wednesday that Perez was sentenced to six years and one month of imprisonment. He may also serve up to eight years in jail as a maximum term.

He is also forbidden from holding any public office in the future.

Perez was found guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

The court said Perez only conducted a personal canvass and paid the amount to Starlet Sales Center in Tondo, Manila. The purchase order, meanwhile, was issued to Mobile Link Enterprises in Mandaluyong City.

Former municipal treasurer Juanita Apostol, Perez's co-accused, died in 2011 and was spared from criminal liability.