Charges filed vs. ex-Ifugao officials over fertilizer fund scam

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against former Hingyon, Ifugao Mayor Alex Kindipan and five others in connection with alleged irregularities in the Arroyo administration's Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) program.

 

In a news release, the Ombudsman said aside from Kindipan, charges were filed against former Municipal Teasurer Henry Gano, former Municipal Accountant Maria Nilda Deloy, Dolly Villaflor and Lucia Diola of Bry Cin Enterprises, and Suzette Recto of Jozeth Trading.

 

The Ombudsman said the respondents violated Section 3(e) and Section 3(g) of Republic Act  3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Section 65.2.4 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act for the irregular procurement of fertilizers under the GMA program.

 

Based on their investigation, the Ombudsman found that the local government of Hingyon, under the authority of Kindipan, purchased 2,166 bottles of Keppelson Super Fast Foliar Plant Food fertilizer amounting to P1,500 per bottle from Bry Cin Enterprises on May 14, 2004.

 

However, in its audit observation memorandum, the Commission on Audit noted that no public bidding was conducted for the project. 

 

"The procurement was made with reference to specific brand names; the laboratory test of the sample taken disclosed that the contents were lacking, the purchase was overpriced by P1,350.00 per bottle, and inspection disclosed that there was under delivery of 2,070 bottles," it added.

 

The statement quoted Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales as saying the respondents “were fully aware of the glaring red flags in the subject procurement, but they still actively participated from the preparation of the undated PR as well as the preparation of the undated PO and DV up to the delivery of the goods/fertilizers.”

 

Meanwhile, the complaint against Agricultural Technician Frederick Caclini was dismissed due to lack of probable cause. — Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News