Sandigan finds strong evidence vs ex-Cainta execs

MANILA,Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the sufficiency of evidence in graft cases filed against former officials of Cainta, Rizal in connection with the allegedly anomalous purchase of office supplies and equipment.

In a six-page ruling promulgated on Nov. 4, the anti-graft court denied the motions for leave to file demurrer to evidence submitted by general services officer Marciano Doroteo, chief budget officer Privada Gonzales and budget officer 3 Glady Formales.

A demurrer, if granted, would allow Doroteo, Gonzales and Formales to seek the dismissal of their cases without presenting their defense.

The defendants were named respondents in cases of violations of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and RA 7160 or the Local Government Code filed against former Cainta mayor Nicanor Felix.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2012, the cases stemmed from the municipal government’s purchase of P1.4 million worth of scanner and miscellaneous supplies, allegedly without public bidding.

The ombudsman said the scanner was overpriced by P502,700 and that supplier Joriel Trading reportedly used a fake business certificate.

It said the contract for the miscellaneous supplies was awarded to Tueance Alera Gentrade Industries, a firm owned by Formales and her husband.

The anti-graft court said the former Cainta officials could still file their demurrer without a leave of court, subject to the legal consequences as provided under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.