Fishers push plunder rap vs Arroyo in purchase of ice machines

MANILA, Philippines – A fisherfolk group has asked the Ombudsman to pursue a plunder complaint they filed in 2010 against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the purchase of ice-making machines allegedly overpriced at P455 million in 2009.

Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. AFP file photo

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas wrote to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on Wednesday to air their plea after learning that the Department of Justice had also endorsed the matter to the anti-graft agency.

In their letter, Pamalakaya officers Fernando Hicap and Salvador France noted Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s October 4 letter to Morales referring Pamalakaya’s request for action to Morales, as well as De Lima’s statement that the Office of the Ombudsman was in a better position to act on the plunder case.

“Madam Ombudswoman Carpio-Morales, given this roller coaster issues surrounding the P455-million overpriced ice-making machines, we reiterate our humble appeal to purse the investigation on the case and prioritize the filing of plunder complaint against former President Arroyo and the rest of players behind the grand robbery in broad daylight,” the officers said.

Several plunder complaints are pending against Arroyo at the Office of the Ombudsman, including another one filed the other day over the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds.

Pamalakaya’s complaint was based on the government’s purchase of 98 ice-making machines. The group alleged that the machines were overpriced by 100 percent, being bought at P4.6 million per unit when each was supposed to cost only P2.3 million.

Aside from the former President, former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap were included in the complaint, the Bids and Awards Committee members and the National Agribusiness Council.

Pamalakaya alleged that Arroyo and Yap approved the procurement of the ice machines, and the contract went to Integrated Refrigeration System and Services. In addition, it alleged that the bidding was rigged to favor the supplier.

In their letter, the militant group appealed to Morales to “unfreeze” the case and prioritize this plunder case against Arroyo.

“The case is now in the Ombudsman’s court and we hope to see this case prosper in the name of truth, justice and fair play,” the letter said.

Pamalakaya also brought the matter to the DoJ and asked De Lima to look into the matter. The justice secretary subsequently ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the group’s allegations.