Ex-Makati exec, Binay coaccused, faces more raps

The Ombudsman will charge a former Makati City administrator, a coaccused of former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay in the case of overpriced hospital beds, for failing to declare his business interests in three companies.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales Thursday approved the filing of multiple charges of falsification against former Makati City administrator Nicanor Santiago Jr.

Based on its findings, the Ombudsman audit team found  Santiago lying when he filed his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) from 2002 to 2005 when he declared that he had no business interests or financial connections.

The Ombudsman team discovered that Santiago had business interests in Transport Affiliates Corp., Ocinakire Akkenad Inc. and North Star Cable TV Inc.

In an eight-page resolution, Morales said Santiago was obliged under Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) to disclose to the public his fortune through a SALN declared under oath.

“(Santiago) did it for four consecutive years thereby clearly showing respondent’s deliberate intent to hide his business interests,” said Morales in a statement.

Santiago was accused along with the wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay for the alleged anomalous purchase of hospital beds worth P36 million of Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK). The hospital beds were allegedly overpriced and acquired without a bidding.

Other former Makati officials charged in the case were Dulce Cruz, Luz Yamane-Garcia, Virgilio Clarete, Conrado Pamintuan, Jaime de los Reyes, Nestor Bulos and Ernesto Aspillaga.

The case is under trial with the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan.

Binay’s wife is also facing two counts each of malversation and graft over the alleged anomalous purchase of medical equipment and supplies worth P83.8 million in 2000 in the same Sandiganbayan Division.