Sandiganbayan orders town mayor suspended

 TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has directed the DILG to serve its 90-day preventive suspension order on Mayor Amando Aumento Sr. of Tunga town in Leyte province, effective July 17, 2012.

Also ordered suspended is municipal accountant Lea Requiz who, together with Aumento, was accused of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for alleged conspiracy in the procurement of a land tractor, worth P1 million, without undergoing bidding in August 2005.

Former vice-mayor Isabel Nierras filed the complaint against the mayor and the accountant in 2005.

The resolution to issue the suspension order was based on the September 3, 2009 decision of the Office of the Ombudsman, after finding probable cause, recommending the filing of graft charges against Aumento and Requiz.

According to the Ombudsman, no public bidding was done in the procurement of the equipment and that the private contractor was paid the full amount of P1 million, as shown on the disbursement voucher issued on August 9, 2005.

The tractor was delivered to the LGU that year but is now found to be rusting and dilapidated already.

DILG-Eastern Visayas regional director Pedro Noval clarified that his office is still waiting for the receipt of the Sandiganbayan directive to implement the suspension order from DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

It was learned further from DILG-8 that Vice Mayor Jose Capopora Uribe will be designated acting mayor during the suspension period of Aumento.

The Freeman had tried several times, but failed, to get a statement from Aumento on the matter. He had not answered calls from any in the media. (FREEMAN)