Ex-Rizal gov. Ynares faces graft raps over overpriced fertilizers

State prosecutors have formally filed graft charges against former Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr. over the purchase of allegedly overpriced fertilizers in 2004 and 2005.

Ynares was charged before the Sandiganbayan with two counts each of violation of Section 3(e) and Section 3(g) of RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also charged for the same violations were Rizal provincial accountant Cecilia Almajose, provincial agriculturist Danilo Rumbawa, assistant department head Romulo Arcilla Jr., department head Eugene Durusan, assistant budget officer Victorina Olea, provincial legal officer Eduardo Torres, provincial engineer Danilo Collantes, provincial administrator Virgilio Esguerra, and Feshan Philippines representative Mallyne Araos.

According to the case information, the respondents in November 2004 entered into a contract with Feshan Philippines to supply 1,266 bottles of organic fertilizers for the province at a price of P1,500 each.

This, however, was conducted without public bidding, the case information said.

Moreover, the prosecutors said the organic fertilizer was still purchased even as there is another foliar fertilizer brand available with a lower price of P176 per bottle. This resulted in a total overprice of P1.67 million.

The same incident occurred in March 2005, the prosecutors said, when the respondents brought 1,189 bottles of organic fertilizer from the same supplier at P1,500 each.

This, even as there is another available brand of foliar fertilizer priced at only P187 per bottle, resulting again in a total overprice of P1.56 million.

No public bidding was held for this procurement, the information said.

The prosecutors claimed the respondents violated Section 3(e) of RA 3019 when it gave “unwarranted benefits, privilege and advantage” to Araos and Feshan Philippines.

Meanwhile, Section 3(g) of the same law was also violated when the respondents entered into a contract that is “grossly disadvantageous” to the government, they added.

The prosecutors have recommended a bail of P30,000 for each count of graft per person, or a total of P120,000 for each accused.

GMA News Online has already contacted Ynares through Rizal's public information officer but has not yet received a response as of posting. — RSJ, GMA News