DBM officials face graft raps for buying substandard rubber boats

The Ombudsman on Friday ordered the filing of graft charges against six officials of the Department of Budget and Management in relation to the purchase of substandard inflatable rubber boats.

Facing charges for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) are Undersecretary Evelyn Guererro, Director IV Lourdes Santiago, Procurement Management Officer V Julieta Lozano, Procurement Management Officer III Mervin Ian Tanquintic, Administrative Assistant III Alvin John Perater and ad hoc member Lt. Malone Agudelo.

Anthony Hernandez of JOAVI Philippines Corporation, which sold the boats to the government in 2010, will also be charged.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales cited procurement violations such as JOAVI’s non-compliance with the DBM-Procurement Service technical specifications.

The boats were deemed substandard as they are not equipped with intercommunication or inflation valves, over-pressure valves and roll-up floor. Instead of military model boats, the boats purchased were “sports model,” the Ombudsman said.

It was also discovered that a falsified technical evaluation report and post-qualification report were submitted.

Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 declares the following act as a corrupt practice: “Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.” CDG/rga

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