Ex-Iloilo solon Suplico faces graft charge for alleged PDAF misuse

Former Iloilo 5th District Representative Rolex Suplico has been indicted of graft at the Sandiganbayan over the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel, in 2007.

Suplico will face one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, based on the complaint filed by Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge Espinal.

Former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) director general Antonio Ortiz and AARON Foundation Philippines Inc. president Alfredo Ronquillo were also named as respondents in the case.

Suplico allegedly allotted P15 million of his PDAF to the implementation of livelihood and development projects for his constituents.

He and Ortiz tapped AARON Foundation for the project and paid the non-government organization P14.7 million.

However, the prosecution said AARON Foundation was ineligible to undertake the project due to its lack of a business permit and its dubious existence.

The TLRC was also flagged for releasing the funds in favor of the NGO based on the endorsements of Suplico and Ortiz alone and not through a public bidding.

The prosecution said Suplico is further liable of the criminal offense for his failure to ensure that his PDAF was properly used.

“Suplico’s utter lack of effort to ensure the implementation of the projects and the liquidation of the public funds, thereby causing undue injury to the government in the amount of P14,700,000,” the charge sheet read.

A bail bond of P30,000 has been recommended for each of the accused in the case.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires signed the charge sheet on October 11. — BM, GMA News