New set of graft charges filed against CdO mayor

Cagayan De Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno has been slapped anew with graft and falsification charges before the Sandiganbayan’s First and Fifth Divisions for the alleged anomalous purchase of equipment during his stint as the provincial governor of Misamis Oriental.

In his first charge, which went to the First Division, he was accused of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act together with Provincial Administrator Patrick Gabutina, Acting Provincial Budget Officer Elmer Wabe, Acting Provincial Accountant Divina Bade, and Assistant Provincial Engineer Rolando Pacuribot.

From January to July 2009, Moreno and his co-accused allegedly took advantage of their positions by purchasing one unit of Vibratory Roller from Earth Tools Development Corporation (Earth Tools) worth P2,543,625.

They made the purchase despite several irregularities including lack of public bidding and failure to comply with the provisions of R.A. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

For Moreno's charge with the Fifth Division, it was for graft and violation of Article 171, par. 2 of the Revised Penal Code, also known as Falsification of Public Documents.

He was accused alongside Gabutina and Wabe. Also charged were Provincial General Services Officer Elsie Lopoy, Provincial Agriculturist Danilo Maputol, and Administrative Aide I Leemar Tinagan.

On January 6, 2012, the said local officials rented one unit trailer truck for the hauling of the D155 Komatsu Bulldozer worth P26,250 from Equiprent Corporation.

The rental reeked of irregularities, according to the charge sheet filed by Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge B. Espinal. They once again failed to conduct public bidding and did not comply with R.A. 9184.