Chavit, Savellano indicted for graft

MANILA, Philippines - Former Ilocos Sur governors Luis “Chavit” Singson and Deogracias Victor Savellano were charged before the Sandiganbayan yesterday for alleged improper use of public funds in 2001.

The indictment came three months after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it would file a P26-million graft case against the two for crimes allegedly committed during their terms as provincial government heads.

Singson was charged for acts committed from 1998 to 2001 while Savellano was indicted for alleged offenses from 2001 to 2003.

The charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Estelita Cordero, chairperson of the Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) Foundation, for the alleged unlawful release of over P26 million in public funds.

The funds were given by way of financial assistance to Multi-Line Food Processing International Inc. (MFPII) during the respective terms of the respondents. 

The Sandiganbayan is expected to raffle the case to any of the five divisions of the anti-graft court, which will determine probable cause and issue arrest orders if warranted.