Cotabato vice gov indicted over P10-M ‘pork’ misuse

Ombudsman Conchita-Carpio Morales. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has directed the filing of graft charges against Cotabato Vice Gov. Gregorio Ipong over irregularities in the release of his congressional pork barrel in 2007.

Morales also ordered Ipong’s immediate dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service, as he was held administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Both resolutions on administrative and criminal liability are still subject to a motion for reconsideration, although Ipong’s dismissal is immediately executory.

As representative of Cotabato Second District, Ipong was accused of causing the release of P10 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF or pork barrel) to a dubious nongovernment organization.

According to a news release yesterday, Ipong had apparently endorsed and identified the Aaron Foundation Philippines, Inc. (Afpi) to be the NGO partner for the livelihood projects funded by his pork barrel. It was to be implemented through the defunct Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC).

The Department of Budget and Management released his P10-million PDAF allocation in a single tranche, even though Afpi failed to submit any project implementation or disbursement report to account for the funds.

Afpi was also deemed unqualified to implement the livelihood projects.

Investigators said Afpi had no business permits from 2004 to 2009, its NGO capital stock was only P68,000, and its net savings and losses from 2006 to 2007 amounted to only P750 and P5,840. The NGO’s listed business address was found to be a vacant lot used to store equipment.

Morales disagreed with Ipong’s claim that “he was not in charge of the subject funds but a mere endorser of the livelihood project.”

Citing Supreme Court rulings, the Ombudsman stressed that under the pork barrel system, the legislator “exercises actual control and custody of the PDAF share allocated to him by appropriations statute.”

Because of this, Ipong was recommended indicted for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits officials from causing injury to the government and giving unwarranted benefits to a private party.

Also facing possible trial for one count each of graft were TLRC executives Antonio Ortiz, Dennis Cunanan and Marivic Jover, and Afpi representative Alfredo Ronquillo.

Like Ipong, Jover was also held administratively liable and ordered dismissed from service.