Ifugao lawmaker charged with graft

Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. is facing charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Baguilat was recently charged with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the provincial government’s purchase of a second-hand vehicle when he was governor.

Former provincial budget officer Virginia Farro, treasurer Samuel Marinay and private respondent Jose Man Singh, proprietor of JMS General Merchandise, were included in the charge sheet.

Based on the complaint, Baguilat conspired with Farro and Marinay in giving “unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference” to Singh in the purchase of an Isuzu Trooper worth P900,000 in March 2003.

The ombudsman said Singh was awarded the contract without public bidding and despite violations in the procurement process.

A P60,000 bail was recommended for Baguilat and P30,000 for his co-accused.

In a text message, Baguilat said he is confident he could clear his name. “This is a case based on an anonymous complaint 15 years ago,” he said.

Raps filed vs vice mayor

The ombudsman also filed charges against Nacianceno Pacalioga, vice mayor of Dumingag town in Zamboanga del Sur, for allegedly failing to declare ownership of 10 parcels of agricultural land in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth in 2001, 2012 and 2014.

Pacalioga was charged with three counts each of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct an Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and perjury.

The ombudsman recommended bail of P48,000.