GRAFT RAPS

Ilog vice mayor, 5 others face 10-year jail term, perpetual disqualification

THE Sixth Division of the Sandiganbayan meted a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and perpetual disqualification to hold public office against

Ilog Vice Mayor John Paul Alvarez and five other municipal officials for graft charges.

In a decision dated December 6, 2018, the anti-graft court found Alvarez, Municipal Engineer

Manuel Sitchon, Planning Officer Elbert Magbato, Budget Officer Hegel Dumadia, Municipal Treasurer Alberto Gidalanon and Department of Education

District Supervisor Arsenia Jaunero guilty beyond reasonable count for violating Section 3 of the Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The case stemmed from the case filed by the Ombudsman in 2004 against the defendants as members of the Municipal Bids and Awards Committee who awarded to Miasar Car

Care to repair and replace the engine of Mitsubishi Pajero, the service vehicle of the Deped of Ilog, amounting to P98,500.

The decision, which was penned by Associate Justices Karl Miranda, Sarah Jane Fernandez, and Michael Frederick Musngi, stated that the Ombudsman as the prosecutor in the case found the defendants gave unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to Miasar Car Care as it was awarded to them without competitive bidding.

Further, the anti-graft court said the supplier was paid on December 21, 2004 although the said repair and motor engine replacement has not yet been completed at that time.

On August 1, 2011, the court found probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against all of the accused, the document stated.

Alvarez, who was then the Ilog mayor, “was conditionally arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge against him” on August 31, 2011.

“Taken together, the overt acts of Sitchon, Gidalanon, Magbato, Juanero, Dumadia, Quijano and Alvarez point to a joint purpose and design, concerted action and community of interest, which is the unwarranted award, approval and payment of the repair and payment of the repair and engine replacement of the Pajero to Miasar Car Care,” the court said.

Two other accused, Joelito Cordero and Jany Joe Bobon, were acquitted for the failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Alvarez could not be reached for comment as of press time.*

ERWIN NICAVERA LIGHTED UP. The public plaza of Hinigaran is illuminated dominantly of gold and blue Christmas lights attracting residents and those passing by the town every night.