MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former regional director of the Department of Education (DepEd) to up to eight years in prison over the anomalous procurement of P2.9 million worth of information technology (IT) equipment in 2008.
In a 21-page decision promulgated on Sept. 6, the anti-graft court’s Third Division found Walter Albos, former DepEd Zamboanga regional director, guilty of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The court ordered Albos to pay the amount of the IT equipment. He was perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
In a charge sheet filed in 2016, the ombudsman said the contract amounting to P2.998 million was awarded to private supplier Davenport without public bidding and approval of the DepEd’s regional Bids and Awards Committee.