2 Ilocos Sur ex-governors face graft charges in Sandiganbayan

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ilocos Sur governors Luis “Chavit” Singson and Deogracias Victor Savellano on Monday were formally charged with graft charges before the Sandiganbayan for illegally diverting P26 million in public funds, said Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Singson, who served as Ilocos Sur governor from 1998 to 2001, and Savellano, who served from 2001 to 2003, were accused of violating Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for diverting public funds to unspecified livelihood projects under a certain Multi-Line Food Processing International Inc.

The report said the Office of the Ombudsman filed three counts of graft against Singson and two counts against Savellano.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales recommended the bail bond of P30,000 for each count of graft.

In July 2013, the Ombudsman indicted the two former governors for the said violation.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer earlier reported that the company in question closed down four months after it received the last check from Savellano.

Singson allegedly forged four deals worth P24.18 million with the company while Savellano entered a similar agreement worth P1.88 million, both in 2001.

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