Ex-Cavite Gov. Maliksi indicted for ‘anomalous’ purchase of medicines

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft charges against former Cavite Governor Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi for the irregular procurement of medicines worth P2.5 million more than 10 years ago.

 

In a news release posted on its website on Tuesday, the Ombudsman on October 22 denied Maliksi's motion to reconsider its joint resolution issued on July 8, 2014.

 

The joint resolution stated that in February 2003, the provincial government of Cavite entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for the purchase of medicines worth P10 million.

 

The first tranche of P2.5 million was released on February 4, 2003, it added.

 

However, the Ombudsman found that no public bidding  was conducted, and the procurement of medicines was made three months prior to the release of the first tranche.

 

The Ombudsman said Maliksi awarded supplier Allied Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc. without public bidding and "without proving that among the suppliers, its medicines cost the cheapest."

 

There was also "no imminent danger to life and/or property that ought to have been prevented" when the medicines were purchased in time for the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) National Convention in November 2002, the statement said.

 

"[T]he distribution of ordinary medicines during the BHW National Convention is not a project or activity that cannot be delayed without causing detriment to public service," it added.

 

Meanwhile, the complaint against Nina Nguyen Lagac, Maliksi's chief of staff, was dismissed for insufficient evidence. Also, the administrative charge for grave misconduct against Maliksi was dismissed by virture of his reelection in 2004.

GMA News Online is trying to get Maliksi's side as of posting time. —NB, GMA News