North Cotabato vice mayor faces graft raps

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to prosecute Makilala, North Cotabato Vice Mayor Ricky Cua and four other municipal officials in connection with the allegedly overpriced eyeglasses distributed to senior citizens. 

Cua, along with Roel Caoagdan of the municipal bids and awards committee, budget officer Mario Ranis, administrative officer Edwin Arellano, and assessment and treasury officers Pio Abonado Jr. and Giovanni Ignacio were accused of conniving to pad the price of the eyeglasses from P6,280 to P99,000. 

The municipal government purchased the eyeglasses in 2012. 

Documents obtained by The STAR showed Makilala resident Rodillin Estralla reported the anomaly.

Graft investigators said the officials violated the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Government Procurement Reform Act. 

The officials also face charges for  violation of the Revised Penal Code.