Ex-Misamis Oriental mayor charged with graft

State prosecutors have formally charged a former Misamis Oriental 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 for two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The town’s officials allegedly gave unwarranted benefits to Green’s International Enterprises 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.

Named 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. —Vince F. Nonato