Surigao officials face dismissal

A GOVERNMENT official and two executive members are facing dismissal from the service for approving the unlawful purchase of the "ghost" communication apparatus worth P18.9 million from Philflex Trading and General Merchandise.

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of the incumbent Lingig town Mayor Roberto Luna Jr. of Surigao del Sur, and Bids and Award Committee (BAC) members Jethro Lindo and Teofilo Maymay, of the same town.

In a 12-page decision, the Ombudsman found the Lingig mayor guilty for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty, while

Lindo and Maymay were found guilty for Grave Misconduct.

"The three accused were meted the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office," the Ombudsman said.

Ombudsman records showed that the accused purchased in 2007 through direct contracting, 36 sets SENAO SN 6108 long range radio and telephone consisting of one mother base, nine programmable handsets, and 10 battery chargers.

They also bought 10 chargeable batteries, 10 telephone jackets, one connector, one umbrella antenna with cable, 10 operating manuals, and 35 sets SENAO SN 568 super long range cordless radio and telephone double base with cable and umbrella antenna.

"Based on documents, no public bidding was conducted for the multi-million peso pork barrel project," the Ombudsman said.

The budget used in the purchase of the equipment was sourced from the 2007 Congressional Initiative Fund of an ex-representative Peter Paul Jed Falcon.

It was also found that Luna approved the P18.9 million payment to Philflex Trading and General Merchandise despite non-delivery of the equipment and lack of supporting documents.

As a result, the Commission on Audit issued two Notices of Disallowance in 2011.

In case the penalty can no longer be enforced due to accused’ separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to their salary for one year.