Morales finds Suplico liable in P14.7-M pork scam

 Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of a graft case against former Iloilo Rep. Rolex Suplico for the alleged misuse of P14.7 million in pork barrel funds in 2007.

Morales found probable cause to charge Suplico, as well as Technology and Livelihood Resource Center Director Antonio Ortiz and Aaron Foundation Philippines Inc. (AFPI) president Alfredo Ronquillo, with one count of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to the Ombudsman, the selection of AFPI as the partner nongovernment organization for Suplico’s livelihood projects did not comply with procurement rules.

Ombudsman investigators found that AFPI had not been issued any business permit since 2004, and its business address was located in a vacant lot.

The Ombudsman also cited the Commission on Audit’s finding that the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) proceeds released to AFPI had remained unliquidated.

The Ombudsman put Suplico to task because lawmakers have the “control and actual custody of the funds as these funds cannot be released without his consent and directives.” —VINCE F. NONATO