PRC execs indicted for graft over rigged bidding

Former Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) chairperson Teresita Manzala and four others were indicted by the Ombudsman for graft for allegedly rigging the bidding in the selection of a building in Baguio City as the site of its regional office.

In a statement on Monday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of criminal charges of graft against Manzala, Commissioner Alfredo Po, Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison, Jr., Supervising Professional Regulations Officer Tricia Camara and Chief Professional Regulations Officer Sarah Edna Tabije.

The Ombudsman said the former PRC officials were found liable for violations of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for allegedly rigging the bidding in the award of contract to CTLL Building in Kisad Road as the relocation site of the PRC regional office in Baguio City.

The Ombudsman in its investigation said that the respondents approved the 15-month lease contract and paid over P6.6 million (or a monthly rate of P431,309.80) in rental fees, advance rentals and deposits for the period December 2012 to December 2013.

The lease was granted without complying with the requirements of the Government Procurement Reform Act, the Ombudsman said.

In its resolution, the Ombudsman said the “respondents’ actions indicate their obvious preference for CTLL Building and circumvented the legally-mandated procurement process to ensure its selection as PRC Baguio’s relocation site.”

The Ombudsman investigators said the bidding was rigged, especially after it was discovered that the Bids and Awards Committee “had no copies of any request for expression of interests, request for quotation, performance of warranties and securities, resolution recommending award, notice of award.”

The Ombudsman has also dismissed Sison and Tabije after they were found administratively liable for grave misconduct. They were meted out the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Po was entrapped by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2012 after he allegedly extorted P42,000 in monthly commission and P394,000 broker’s commission from the CTLL Building owner Ernesto Delos Santos in exchange for the lease contract.

Po was fired and found liable for grave misconduct and violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. RAM/rga

 READ: PRC exec Alfredo Po fired for extortion