Ex-Leyte mayor faces graft charge for P6-M ghost water project

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to charge the former mayor of Carigara, Leyte for graft over her alleged role in the P6-million "ghost" water project.

A press statement on Tuesday said Anlie Apostol will face one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act over the anomalous small water impounding system project in 2010.

Graft investigators in Region VIII found that the municipality received P6 million in 2010 for the repair of water impounding systems in Barangays Binibihan, San Isidro and Paglaum.

A total amount of P5.4 million was then paid to New Leyte Ever Hardware Company for the delivery of construction supplies and materials. None of the materials, however, was delivered.

Supply officer Crescente Precia told investigators that Apostol “commanded him to sign the acceptance and inspection report” despite the non-delivery of the supplies.

“[Apostol’s] directive to Precia to make it appear that complete delivery had already been effected had paved the way for the disbursement of public funds and payment to the supplier even without actual delivery of the procured materials/supplies," the Ombudsman said.

"By releasing the amount of P5,417,852.82 to New Leyte Ever Hardware sans delivery of the materials/supplies procured, respondent undoubtedly caused undue injury to the municipality of Carigara,” it added.

In a related administrative case, Apostol was found guilty of grave misconduct with the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and bar from taking the civil service examinations. He is also fined equivalent to his one year's salary.

Precia, meanwhile, was found guilty of simple misconduct and meted a fine equivalent to his salary for three months. — MDM, GMA News