Surigao’s ex-solon to be tried for graft

Graft charges have been filed in the Sandiganbayan against former Surigao del Sur Rep. Peter Paul Jed Falcon and several local officials in connection with the alleged misuse of his P18.93-million pork barrel funds on “ghost” communications equipment in 2007.

The Ombudsman’s special prosecutor accused Falcon of conspiring with the officials of Lingig town to procure the gadgets using his pork barrel  allocation without competitive bidding.

The officials allegedly approved the payment to Philflex Trading and General Merchandise, although the purchase did not comply with the requirements regarding alternative ways of procurement under the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Turned over to Falcon

The charge sheet claimed that the equipment were delivered to Falcon, but he failed to turn them over to the municipality that purchased the gadgets, causing undue injury to the government and giving unwarranted benefits to Philflex, according to the charge sheet signed by Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge Espinal.

Falcon and his coaccused were each charged with one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Charged with Falcon was Lingig Mayor Roberto Luna Jr., whom the Ombudsman dismissed in February for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty in connection with the same case.

Falcon’s other coaccused included municipal treasurer Ebrencio Indoyon Jr., Sangguniang Bayan secretary and bids and awards committee (BAC) vice chair Jethro Lindo, BAC members Teofilo Maymay, Aludia de Castro and Carmelo Rebosura, and Philflex president Maria Luzviminda Lopez. —Vince F. Nonato