Ex-Samar mayor indicted for graft over unlawful lot purchase

The former mayor of Hinabangan, Western Samar has been charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged unlawful purchase of a lot in the municipality.

The Office of the Ombudsman indicted Alejandro Abarratigue with one count of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Based on the case information, Abarratigue acted with "manifest partiality, evident bad faith, and/or gross inexcusable negligence" when he purchased a parcel of land in Lot 387 of Hinabangan town.

Investigators found that Abarratigue signed the disbursement voucher approving the payment to the widow of a certain Isidro Abarracoso, Ofelia, for the procurement of the lot.

He also entered a contract of sale with Ofelia by signing the extrajudicial settlement of estate among the heirs and the absolute deed of sale in behalf of the local government.

The Ombudsman said Abarratigue caused undue injury to the government when he purchased the real property from the heirs of Isidro without the authority of the municipal council.

A P30,000 bail bond is recommended in the case. —KG, GMA News