Marikina Polytechnic College execs dismissed, face graft raps

MANILA, Philippines – Graft cases are set to be filed before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan against executives of state-run Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) who allegedly entered into irregular deals with favored suppliers from 2005 to 2006.

In a 36-page resolution announced Tuesday, October 28, the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict the following for varying counts of graft:

• MPC president Manuel Pangilinan – 9 counts
• MPC’s bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman Efren Azares – 4 counts
• procurement officer Juanito Macapanas – 4 counts
• BAC member Alejandrina Ancheta – 4 counts
• BAC member Ermielinda Flaminiano – 4 counts
• BAC member Saturnino Quintal – 3 counts

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the filing of cases against the school officials in court over allegedly rigging the bidding for the supply of various items, including equipment for the college’s “Go Negosyo” program.

The deals covered services like the repair and maintenance of vehicle, as well as goods such as duplicator machines with multi-function copier, concrete poles, and floor tiles.

Among the violations noted by the Ombudsman include overpricing, lack of documentary requirements like purchase requests, and the lack of an approved budget set for the deals.

The contracts were also awarded to ineligible suppliers prior to the deadline for the submission of bids, indicating “unwarranted” preference.

The transactions were found to be “manifestly and grossly disadvantageous” to government. 

A separate 32-page decision was issued imposing administrative liability on Pangilinan, Azares, Ancheta, Flaminiano, Quintal, and Macapanas for grave misconduct and dishonesty.

As penalty, they are permanently dismissed from public service. – Rappler.com