Ombudsman orders probe of Vitangcol
Al Vitangcol, general manager MRT3, during the committee meeting on Good Government and Public Accountability in Congress. LYN RILLON/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has ordered the conduct of formal investigation against former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) General Manager Al Vitangcol III following allegations of extortion by Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar.
Also subject of a formal probe is Wilson De Vera, incorporator of PH TRAMS Corporation which bagged a maintenance contract in MRT3.
Vitangcol and De Vera are facing criminal charges for violations of Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Section 7(d) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
Vitangcol also faces administrative charges for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
Morales created a special panel of investigators after reports came out about Rychtar’s allegation of extortion against Vitangcol in exchange for giving the contract to supply trains to the MRT3 to Czech firm Inekon.
Based on report by the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation, Vitangcol and De Vera met with Inekon representatives Josef Husek (Chief Executive Officer), Manalo Maralit (acting as liaison officer for Inekon) and a certain Haluon in July 2012 – first at a restaurant in Makati and second at the house of Rychtar.
During the two meetings, De Vera, based on the Ombudsman report, indicated that the Inekon would be selected as the supplier of the tram vehicles on the condition that the latter would pay US$30 million, which amount would be later reduced to US$2.5 million.
On the third meeting, they asked Inekon representatives if they agree to the proposal but they refused.
During the formal probe, the two will be asked to answer the allegations against them.
Morales said a separate investigation is being conducted on reports regarding the MRT3 interim maintenance contract for 2012-2013 awarded to PH TRAMS Corporation wherein Vitangcol’s alleged uncle-in-law, Arturo Soriano, and De Vera are among the incorporators.
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