Ex-vice mayor indicted for falsification

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted a former municipal vice mayor in Cotabato for allegedly falsifying the documents for the procurement of reading glasses.

Investigation showed that in 2013, former Makilala town vice mayor Ricky Cua procured 314 pairs of reading glasses for his constituents for P99,000 and asked the municipal government to reimburse him.

Cua reportedly falsified the cash invoice provided by the supplier and the abstract of canvass to facilitate the reimbursement.

Aside from Cua, the ombudsman found probable cause to charge bids and awards committee members Roel Caoagdan, Mario Ranis, Edwin Arellano, Pio Abonado Jr. and Giovanni Ignacio for allegedly falsifying the abstract of canvass to make it appear that the supplier submitted the most advantageous price for the deal.

State prosecutors said the forged documents were used to support Cua’s request for reimbursement.  Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said it was Cua himself who purchased the eyeglasses, and prepared and processed the documents.

Anti-graft investigators said Cua influenced and pressured the BAC members in choosing the supplier for the contract.