Ombudsman finds basis to indict Aurora Gov. Noveras for graft

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict Aurora Governor Gerardo Noveras for graft in connection with the allegedly rigged bidding of a road repair project on the provincial highway in 2014.

In a 15-page consolidated resolution signed on April 6, 2018 by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, graft investigators recommended charging Noveras at the Sandiganbayan with violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Then-provincial administrator Simeon de Castros, Bids and Awards Committee chairman Ricardo Bautista, and BAC members Norma Clemente, Paz Torregosa, Isaias Noveras Jr., and Benedicto Rojo also face the same charge.

RMCR Construction owner Manding Claro Ramos is the lone private respondent named in the case.

Provincial engineer Rodante Tolentino had accused Noveras and his co-respondents of conniving with each other in implementing the anomalous repair of the Dimalang Bridge Approach and the Road Section of the Casiguran-Dilasag Provincial Road.

The Ombudsman said it saw sufficient basis in the complaint that Noveras and the BAC members "acted with manifest partiality by rigging the bidding for the subject projects to give unwarranted benefits to RMCR Construction."

Notices to Proceed on the project showed that RMCR Construction got the nod to implement the repairs on August 15 with an estimated duration of 60 calendar days for the bridge approach and 30 days for the road section.

However, three days after the issuance of the notices, the Ombudsman said Administrative Aide II Liberato Urbano reported the 100-percent completion of both projects.

The Ombudsman said this proves that RMCR Construction already bagged the project. It said Noveras and his co-accused guaranteed Ramos the contract, with the company owner agreeing to implement the project even before the contract was signed since he was assured of getting paid.

"This Office can only conclude that the subject projects were implemented by RMCR Construction even before the procurement process was finished," the Ombudsman said.

"It appears that the reports with later dates of commencement and completion were prepared to give the impression that the subject projects were commenced and completed after the procurement process was finished when in truth they were almost nearing completion," it added.

The Ombudsman ordered Noveras' suspension in February for allegedly allowing the use of his own dump trucks in the construction of a barangay development project. — BM, GMA News