Criminal rap filed vs mayor of Antique town over water contract

MANILA, Philippines – A criminal complaint has been filed with the Office of the Ombudsman against incumbent Anini-y Antique Mayor Reynaldo Policar and several other local officials in connection with a P1.5 million feasibility study for a water supply system.

In a 9-page complaint, a copy of which was sent to reporters Wednesday, aside from Policar, included in the complaint were Teresita Ines, President of DMI consultants as well as DMI’s Board of Directors and Officers.

The complainants, lawyer Jobert Ilarde Pahilga and Diosdado Pahilga Jr., alleged that the respondents violated Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft Law, Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and Malversation of public funds.

In their complaint, the contract for the conduct of feasibility study for the construction of Water Supply System was given to DMI without public bidding.

“The act of Mr. Policar of awarding the contract to conduct a feasibility study of the Water Supply system to DMI and accordingly paying the said entity P1.5 million violated the provisions of RA 9184,” the complaint stated adding that this is considered giving unwarranted benefit to a private party in the exercise of the public officer’s functions.

The complainants added that there is also no proof that the contract was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan.

“The contract therefore is void ab initio (void from the beginning,” they said.

The complainants also asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to order Policar’s preventive suspension considering that “his continued stay in office may prejudice the case filed against him.”