Ex-PCG chief charged over P9.6 million rescue equipment deal

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Retired Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo was charged before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of rescue equipment in 2009.

Filed by the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices on July 20, the case against Tamayo involves violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

He is accused of giving “unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference” to private supplier Joshwell Trading in the amount of P9.585 million.

Based on the charge sheet, approved by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on July 11, Tamayo allowed the release of “full payment” to Joshwell Trading for the purchase of Special Marine Advance Rescue Team (SMART) items.

The ombudsman said Tamayo approved a disbursement voucher (DV) dated March 25, 2009, which paved way for the release of the payment.

The ombudsman said that after the approval of the DV, Tamayo then issued a check to Joshwell on March 30, drawn from the PCG’s account with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The ombudsman did not indicate in the charge sheet the total amount paid to Joshwell, but said that  P9.585 million of it should not have been released as Joshwell “only made a partial delivery of the SMART items as indicated in the Inspection and Acceptance Report attached to the disbursement voucher.”

The ombudsman recommended to the Sandiganbayan to set Tamayo’s bail bond at P30,000.