Ex-Misamis Oriental mayor charged with graft in P5M fertilizer deal

State prosecutors have formally charged a former Misamis Oriental town mayor with graft  for the purchase of P4.999-million worth of fertilizers without public bidding in June 2004.

Former Libertad mayor Alberto Acain and seven others were charged at the Sandiganbayan on two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

BACKSTORY: Ex-Misamis Oriental mayor indicted for fertilizer fund scam

The town’s officials allegedly gave unwarranted benefits to Green’s International Enterprises (GIE) during the procurement of two batches of 2,500 and 1,166 liters of Macro Micro Liquid Foliar Fertilizer, worth P3.25 million and P1.749 million respectively.

The procurement officials “made it appear” that a public bidding was held and resorted to direct contracting and brand specification, according to the charge sheets signed by Assistant Special Prosecutor Lalaine Benitez.

The officials also allegedly failed to observe the Government Procurement Reform Act’s requirement to verify the documents submitted by the supplier GIE.

Named as Acain’s coaccused were bids and awards committee chair Oscar Benlot, and members Lucia Almeñe, Isidro Gervacio, Elizabeth Pagalan, and Sergio Jacalan Jr.

Also charged were GIE proprietor Ricardo Mendoza Jr. and representative Ma. Lourdes Mendoza.

A bail of P60,000 for the two counts of graft was recommended for each accused individual./rga