Ex-Makati mayor, 8 others face P.8-M graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - Former Makati acting mayor Romulo Peña and eight other persons are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalies in the purchase of P823,195 worth of sports equipment for the city government’s summer sports program.

In her 18-page complaint-affidavit filed before the ombudsman on March 6, a copy of which was released to the media yesterday, Marlyn King – the incumbent head of the city’s Youth and Sports Development Department (YSDD), said full payment was made to the supplier despite the incomplete delivery of items specified in the purchase order approved by Peña in February 2016.

Peña and the others were charged violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefits or preference to any party.

They were also charged with falsification of public documents.

Seven former and incumbent city officials were named in the complaint: former YSDD officer-in-charge Ernesto Marcos Lopez, former OIC city treasurer Amalia Santos, General Services Department OIC Ramila Cruzado, GSD inspection officers Carmina Lazaro and Helena Cejalvo, GSD supply and property management division chief Sonia Suarez and YSDD recreation and welfare services officer Fe Villasin.

Also charged was John Co, president of supplier PMPI Creative Suites.

Among the items listed in the purchase order were tarpaulins, certificates, medals, plaques, IDs for the participants, arnis sticks, volleyballs, basketballs, table tennis balls, shuttlecocks, volleyball nets and leather balls for football.

King said the respondents allegedly falsified the delivery report as well as acceptance and inspection reports to make it appear that all the purchased items were delivered.

She said the incomplete delivery of the items was only discovered after she ordered an inventory of all sports items in her office for future use or for donations to youth organizations.

King said that upon inquiry by her office as part of the inventory procedure, PMPI admitted that the delivery of the items was not completed.

In a text message to reporters, Peña said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint but maintained that there was nothing irregular with the purchase.