Bohol mayor faces graft over overpriced multi-purpose building

Anda, Bohol Mayor Angelina "Inday" Simacio has been charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly entering into an overpriced contract for the construction of the municipal multi-purpose center.

One count for violation of Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act was filed against Simacio.

Simacio supposedly approved the construction of the Anda Multi-Purpose Building/Center worth P2.5 million, which was awarded to A.S.O. Construction in April 2013.

The contract, however, was 57.58 percent above the Commission on Audit cost evaluation of P1.74 million, or at an overpriced cost of P754,517.36, due to higher labor costs than normal construction industry prices and an overestimated quantity of reinforcing steel bars.

Ombudsman prosecutors said this shows the contract was "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government, and thereafter caused and/or facilitated the disbursement of public funds to the prejudice of the government."

A total bail bond of P30,000 has been recommended in the case.

GMA News Online was still reaching out to the camp of Simacio for comment as of posting time. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News