NTC regional exec faces graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against a regional director of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Koronadal City.

Ismael Cabural will be indicted for allegedly soliciting and receiving P550,000 for the issuance of a special permit for the operation of a radio station in Tampakan, South Cotabato in 2013, the ombudsman said on Tuesday.

In March 2014, the NTC informed officials of the radio station their operation was illegal, saying Cabural was not authorized to issue a special permit.

Ombudsman investigators dismissed Cabural’s claim that his signature on the permit was forged.

The ombudsman said the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act prohibits a public official from requesting or receiving any gift or other pecuniary or material benefit, for himself or for another from any person who will secure any permit or license.