Graft raps vs ex-Romblon gov affirmed

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the validity of the graft charges filed against former Romblon governor Eleandro Jesus Madrona in connection with the fertilizer fund scam.

In a 22-page resolution promulgated on Thursday, the anti-graft court’s sixth division denied the motions of Madrona and his co-accused to dismiss the case, saying it is sufficient in form and substance.

”There was no vexatious, capricious or oppressive delay in the disposition of the case,” the  Sandiganbayan added.

The court noted that the the Office of the Ombudsman finished its investigation in October 2014 after the complaint was filed in 2011.

Madrona was indicted only on Aug. 1, 2017 because the ombudsman resolved the motions for reconsideration filed by the respondents, the Sandiganbayan said.

The case stemmed from allegations that Madrona conspired with other provincial officials to award to Feshan Philippines Inc. a contract for the supply of 3,333 bottles of organic liquid fertilizer for P1,500 per bottle or a total of P4,863,823.

The ombudsman said the purchase was done without public bidding in violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Former provincial administrator Joel Sy, treasurer Ruby Fababeir, agriculturist Geishler Fadri, senior agriculturist Oscar Galos, general services assistant head Anthony Rugas and Feshan representative Elisa Morales were included in the charge sheet.