Ex-Ilocos mayor charged over water pump ‘anomaly’

MANILA, Philippines — A former city mayor in Ilocos Sur has been charged with graft in connection with the allegedly anomalous purchase of water pumps worth P1.8 million.

In a case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on April 22, former Candon City mayor Grace Singson was charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Aside from Singson, eight other former city officials – treasurer Bernardita Mati, accountant Eliseo Gacusana, agriculturist Prospero Bello, budget officer Perla Gapatan, engineer Esteban Martinez, secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Jerry Malamion, general services officer Reynaldo Querubin and city planning and development coordinator Naulie Cabanting – were charged with the same offense.

Also charged were private respondents Elynette Marie Martinez and Alain Lee of the ACL Farm Hardware Importer and Repair Shop.

The ombudsman said the accused conspired to award the contract to ACL for the supply of 109 water pumps and accessories in 2004.

It said the specification of the brand name of the items violated the government procurement rules.

Anti-graft probers said that of the 109 water pumps procured, only 69 were distributed to the beneficiaries.