Echiverri indicted again for graft

Mayor Recom Echiverri. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Former Caloocan lawmaker and mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri has been indicted on two counts of graft for alleged anomalous drainage and barangay hall construction projects during his term as local chief executive.

In a statement on Monday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said she found probable cause to charge Echiverri with violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also indicted were former city accountant Edna Centeno and city budget officer Jesusa Garcia on two counts each of graft and falsification of public documents.

Records showed that in 2013, the city government approved a P4.9 million project for the improvement of the drainage system on Antipolo street, Barangay 30.

In 2011, Echiverri also approved the construction of a barangay hall in Barangay 154 worth P5.4 million.

The Commission on Audit (COA) noted irregularities in the projects, such as the lack of specific appropriation ordinances and the absence of an approval from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

The COA issued notices of disallowance for the two projects in 2013.

Morales said that “without authority from the SP, Echiverri entered into [contracts] which constituted an unwarranted benefit and privilege granted to a private party.”

“The COA correctly observed that the disbursements were illegal for lack of any specific prior authorization,” she added.

In the May elections, Echiverri, who was then outgoing Caloocan representative, lost to Oscar Malapitan  in his bid to again sit as mayor.

READ:  Echiverri questions Malapitan poll win

In a related administrative case, Centeno and Garcia were found guilty of grave misconduct and were perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

In cases of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to the respondent’s one year salary.

Under Section 3(e) of the anti-graft law, public officials are prohibited from  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.

Earlier, Echiverri was also indicted for graft in connection with a P2.97 million drainage  project. He also allegedly awarded the contract in 2011 without the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod./rga

READ: Echiverri  indicted for graft over anomalous drainage project