Ex-mayor faces graft raps

MANILA, Philippines - For alleged involvement in irregularities in the bidding for the purchase of a generator set, the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the filing of graft charges against a former town mayor and three other municipal officials in Agusan del Sur.

Former San Francisco mayor Jenny de Asis will be indicted along with former municipal engineer Cesar Yu, supply officer Jovito Torrero and municipal accountant Evelyn Damasco.

Investigation showed De Asis approved the request for the purchase of a Komatsu generator set in April 2004.  

The Commission on Audit said there were violations of the  Government Procurement Reform Act, citing a lack of bidding, overpricing and the cash payment.

“Competitive bidding being the standard mode of procurement for all entities in the government, the approval or disapproval of contracts rests on the head of the procuring entity,” the ombudsman said.