Olongapo mayor posts bail over alleged anomalous city complex lease deal

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino has posted bail to secure his temporary freedom while his graft case over the allegedly fast-tracked development of the city government complex proceeds at the Sandiganbayan.

Paulino paid the P30,000 cash bond at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court on April 11 before Executive Judge Roline Ginez-Jabalde.

The Sandiganbayan earlier found probable cause to hold Paulino for trial by virtue of a court order dated April 8, but the arrest warrant was no longer enforced since Paulino already posted bail.

The case stemmed from the unsolicited proposal of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) to the city government on January 7, 2014 for the long-term lease of the Olongapo City Civic Center. Paulino and his co-accused city officials supposedly acted with undue haste in awarding the contract to SMPHI.

The prosecution said Paulino issued the notice of award to SMPHI on October 31, 2014 but the last invitation for other prospective investors for the project was published on October 20, 2014, or almost two months before the 60-day prescription period was to expire.

The city council then passed a resolution confirming the premature notice awarded by Paulino despite the lack of endorsement from the National Economic and Development Authority and a review of the draft lease agreement by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

The prosecution, in its charge sheet, said the actions of the accused showed a "common intention to fast track the project and deny other prospective bidders to make a better offer, to the damage and prejudice of the government." —KG, GMA News