9 former Zamboanga officials face graft raps

THE basis to charge with graft before the San Zamboanga del Sur in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P9.4 million worth of heavy equipment in 2011.

In a statement on Friday, the Ombudsman said it found probable cause against former mayor Francisvic Villamero, along with then-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Rogelim Cabrales, Noe Gozalo, Ricardo Solis, Wilfredo David, Jovito Ondiano and Solomon Donor.

Also charged was Cesario Advincula Jr. who was then-president/chief executive and Construction, Inc.

The resolution alleged “there is evidence to prove that respondents conspired, with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence, to rig the procurement process in order to award the contract to IVAN CARR. Taken together, the aforementioned irregularities undermined the principles of transparency and competitiveness in the bidding process.”

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman found the respondents administratively liable for grave misconduct and dismissed them from the service.

“They were meted out the accessory re-employment in the government service, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of equivalent to their respective salaries for one year,” the statement said.