Ex-Lanao del Sur mayor gets 10 years for graft

MANILA, Philippines — A former mayor of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison over the procurement of heavy equipment worth P20 million in 2008.

Aman Datumulok was found guilty of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, according to a 28-page decision of the Sandiganbayan’s Special Seventh Division promulgated on Oct. 5 and released yesterday. 

Datumulok was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Datumulok’s brother Abdullah before the Office of the Ombudsman in 2010.

Based on the charge sheet, the municipal government during Datumulok’s term as mayor procured a Volvo dump truck worth P11 million and a Volvo wheel loader valued at P9 milllion from E.B. Ople Trading without public bidding.

In convicting Datumulok, the court gave weight to a municipal council resolution specifying the brand of equipment to be purchased.

The court said Section 18, Article 6 of RA 9184 or Government Procurement  Reform Act prohibits reference to specific brand names in any government purchase.

The court said Datumulok could not pass the blame on the municipal council because he had the final authority to approve or disapprove the transaction. 

 “Datumulok had no excuse to be unaware of the lawful procurement process,” the court said.

The Sandiganbayan said  the filing of the complaint by Datumulok’s brother “begs the question of the intention behind it.” However, the court said blatant disregard of procurement laws carries consequences, which Datumulok must face.

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta with the concurrence of Associate Justices Zaldy Trespeses and Bayani Jacinto.