Graft raps filed vs ex-Marawi mayor

MANILA, Philippines - Graft charges had been filed against a former mayor of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur and seven others in connection with a P2-million fertilizer scam in 2004.

The Office of the Ombudsman said aside from former Marawi City mayor Omar Ali, charged were Joselito Flordeliza, president of the National Organization for Agricultural Enhancement and Productivity Inc. (NOAEPI); Leonicia Llarena and Minda Bombase, employees of Dane Publishing House; and private citizens Jaime Paule, Marilyn Araos and Marites Aytona.

The ombudsman set bail at P30,000 for each of the accused.

The case was filed over the weekend by graft investigator Karla Maria Barrios.

Based on the complaint, the accused conspired with each other in giving unwarranted benefits to NOAEPI in a program of the Department of Agriculture.