Quezon mayor, 2 execs face criminal raps for purchase of swamp land

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has approved the filing of a criminal case before the Sandiganbayan against a former mayor and two other officials in Quezon province over the alleged illegal purchase of a parcel of swamp land in 2005.

former mayor, treasurer, and assessor of Polillo, Quezon for the illegal purchase of a parcel of swamp land in 2005.

In an 11-page order, to be charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act are former Polillo Mayor Isarme Bosque, Municipal Treasurer Carmelita Marasigan, and Municipal Assessor Samson Ayapana.

Records showed that Bosque entered into a deed of sale without authority from the Sangguniang Bayan for the purchase of 3.3 hectares of land in Barangay (village) Libjo without conducting a feasibility study on the suitability of the site, and an ocular inspection prior to acquisition.

Investigation showed that the lot has an assessed value of P24,870 but was bought for P411,000.

The Sangguniang Bayan enacted Appropriation Ordinance No. 02-2005 providing for a supplemental budget of P500,000.00 for capital outlay to cover the purchase of a lot to be used for low-cost housing, municipal cemetery, and a municipal dumpsite.

The Inspection Report by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Real, Quezon determined, however, that out of the 3.3 hectares, only one hectare may be used for low-cost housing and the rest may only be used for fish pond or agricultural plantation purposes.

The Certification issued by the Deputy Zoning Administrator of the municipality also showed that based on the existing zoning ordinance, the purchased lot was within the agricultural, forest/shore easement zone of the municipality.