Former NIA exec indicted over P1.3-M fertilizer scam

A former official of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) in Northern Mindanao has been charged with graft in connection with an allegedly anomalous purchase of fertilizer and pesticide in 2009.

The Office of the Ombudsman charged Julius Maquiling, former chief of NIA-Northern Mindanao, of violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Filed with the Sandiganbayan on Nov. 27, the case against Maquiling stemmed from the award of a P1.3million fertilizer supply contract to private firm 3K and C Enterprises.

The ombudsman said no public bidding was conducted for the project as required under RA 9184 or the Government Procure- ment Reform Act.

The anti-graft agency said Maquiling resorted to “shopping” or small-value procurement without justifying the mode of purchase.

Bail of P30,000 was recommended for Maquiling’s temporary liberty.

Earlier, the Sandiganbayan dismissed a case of perjury that the ombudsman filed against Maquiling in September 2017.

The cases stemmed from Maquiling’s alleged failure to declare a trucking business in his SALN or statement of assets, liabilities and net worth for 2009.

The Sandiganbayan said the ombudsman violated Maquiling’s right to a speedy resolution of his case, noting it took the antigraft agency six years and seven months to file the case in court.