Raps filed vs. ex-Zambo del Norte mayor in P15.9-M bulldozer mess

The Office of the Ombudsman has formally charged a former Zamboanga del Norte town mayor over his alleged anomalous purchase of a bulldozer worth P15.9 million in 2008.

Charged with one count of violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, was former Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte mayor Wilfredo Siasico.

In the charge sheet filed before the Sandiganbayan, the Ombudsman said Siasico "willfully, unlawfully and criminally" gave unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference to Monark Equipment Corporation when he purchased from it a brand new Caterpillar Model D6R DS III Track Type Tractor worth P15,892,500.

The Ombudsman said the purchase was made without public bidding and without the participation of the Bids and Awards Committee.

Siasico also paid an additional P297,008.53 for the Letter of Credit in favor of Caterpillar S.A.R.L. Singapore, the Ombudsman alleged, which in effect deprived the municipal government of the chance to get the most advantageous price.

In total, the amount of undue injury caused to the government was P16,189,508.53, the Ombudsman said.

Section 3(e) of RA 3019 prohibits public officials from “causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.” —NB, GMA News