MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the filing of criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Cavite Governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi for the questionable purchase of medicines worth P2.5-million.
In an order dated Oct. 22 but released to the media Tuesday, Maliksi was charged with violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Morales denied Maliksi’s motion for reconsideration for the Ombudsman’s July 8 resolution finding probable cause to charge the former governor in court.
Former Cavite Gov. Erineo “Ayong” S. Maliksi. SCREENGRAB from www.lpp.gov.ph
The Joint Resolution stated that in February 2003, the province of Cavite entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for the purchase of medicines under a P10 million grant, the first tranche of which in the amount of P2.5 million was released to the province of Cavite on Feb. 4, 2003.
But investigation showed that no public bidding was conducted and the supporting documents (Purchase Request, Purchase Order, and Inspection and Acceptance Report) show that the procurement was made three months prior to the release of the first tranche.
Morales said there is no reason to resort to an emergency purchase since there was no imminent danger.
“[T]he distribution of ordinary medicines during the BHW National Convention is not a project or activity that cannot be delayed without causing detriment to public service,” the Order explained.
Ombudsman Morales concluded that Maliksi gave unwarranted advantage or preference to the supplier, Allied Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc., which was awarded the government contract without public bidding and without proving that among the suppliers, its medicines cost the cheapest.
Meanwhile, the complaint against Nina Nguyen Lagac, Maliksi’s chief of staff, was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. The administrative charge of Grave Misconduct against Maliksi was dismissed by virtue of his reelection in 2004.
The case stemmed from the complaint filed by then Vice-Governor Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla.
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