4 ex-Leyte officials get 6 years for graft

MANILA, Philippines - Four former officials of a town in Leyte were found guilty of violating the anti-graft law in connection with the purchase of a secondhand tractor worth more than P1 million in 2005.

The Sandiganbayan sentenced former Tunga mayor Amando Aumento Sr., municipal accountant Lea Requiez, treasurer Julia Falguera, and bids and awards committee chairman Alejo Castelo to six to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The anti-graft court also disqualified the four from holding public office and acquitted their co-accused.

It said the four gave unwarranted advantage to a private citizen, when they bought the  tractor without a bidding and for paying before the item was delivered to the municipal hall.