Faces of the News: Joseph Abaya
After just seven months of investigation, the Ombudsman found probable cause to order the filing of graft charges against former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and 16 others over the awarding of P4.25 billion in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) maintenance contracts to an unqualified and ineligible contractor in 2015.
The Ombudsman said the joint venture of Busan Universal Rail Inc. (Buri) did not have the technical experience and financial capability to handle the long-term maintenance of MRT 3.
Yet Department of Transportation and Communications officials “intentionally” disregarded the procurement rules and adjusted the eligibility requirements to accommodate the Buri bid.
The Ombudsman, however, found no basis to charge Abaya with plunder because there was no evidence to show that public funds went to the official’s pocket or that of the Busan joint venture incorporators.
