Pangasinan ex-mayor convicted of graft over overpriced computer

MANILA, Philippines – The former mayor of a town in Pangasinan was convicted of graft over the purchase 16 years ago of an overpriced computer.

The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines’ anti-graft court, found former San Manuel Mayor Salvador Perez guilty of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Perez bought a computer unit at P120,000 ($2,735)* using municipal government funds.

In a press release Tuesday, June 17, the Office of the Ombudsman said Perez faces a prison term of 6 to 8 years. He is also permanently disqualified from public office.

In purchasing the computer unit, Salavador was found to have violated procurement rules. 

Documents used by the Ombudsman as evidence show it was Starlet Sales Center in Tondo, Manila, that received the P120,000 in government funds. The purchase order, however, was issued to Mobile Link Enterprises in Mandaluyong City.

According to the Ombudsman, Perez personally canvassed for the overpriced computer.

The absence of a public bidding in the purchase of the computer was in violation of the Local Government Code.   

Former municipal treasurer Juanita Apostol, Perez’ co-accused, was relieved of any criminal liability due to her death in 2011. – Rappler.com

*$1 = P43.86