Ombudsman probes Vitangcol

MANILA, Philippines - Former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) general manager Al Vitangcol III and Wilson de Vera are under preliminary investigation for their alleged involvement in a $30-million extortion attempt in connection with the MRT3 expansion project, the Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said she approved the recommendation of the anti-graft agency’s Field Investigation Office (FIO) for the conduct of a preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication to determine if Vitangcol and De Vera should be charged in court.

Morales also ordered a separate investigation on reports regarding the MRT3 interim maintenance contract for 2012 to 2013, which was awarded to PH Trams Corp. wherein Vitangcol’s uncle-in-law, Arturo Soriano, and De Vera are among the incorporators.

Vitangcol was relieved of his MRT post after reports came out about his uncle-in-law’s role in the PH Trams.

In a preliminary investigation, respondents in criminal and administrative complaints are given opportunity to answer the allegations and explain their side.

De Vera was an incorporator of PH Trams, which bagged a maintenance contract for MRT3 amid allegations that Vitangcol tried to extort the Czech firm Inekon Group in exchange for a P3.76-billion contract for the supply of trains.

Vitangcol and De Vera are facing criminal charges for violation of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Aside from these charges, Vitangcol is also facing administrative complaint for dishonesty and grave misconduct.

The ombudsman said a special panel of investigators was created in July last year to gather evidence on the alleged extortion attempt.

The FIO reported that upon the request of Vitangcol, a meeting to discuss the MRT3 expansion project took place at a Makati restaurant on the night of July 9, 2012.

The meeting was reportedly attended by De Vera, Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar and representatives from the Inekon Group – Josef Husek, chief executive officer; Manalo Maralit, liaison officer and a certain Haluon.