Ex-NPDC exec fined P5,000 over P7.8 million security deal

MANILA, Philippines — A former National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) official was fined P5,000 after pleading guilty to a criminal offense in connection with the allegedly anomalous award of a P7.8-million security service contract in 2004.

In a 31-page decision promulgated on Nov. 28, the Sandiganbayan’s Seventh Division said former NPDC executive director Jaime Recio admitted “in open court” to violating Section 7 (a) of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, under a plea bargain deal with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Under the deal, the ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor shall drop the case of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which it originally filed against Recio in 2017. 

Section 7 (a) of RA 6713 prohibits a public official from having a direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any transaction requiring the approval of his office. It carries a penalty of a prison term of up to five years, a fine not exceeding P5,000 or both.

Section 3 (e) of RA 3019, meanwhile, prohibits a public official from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to a private party or from causing any party, including the government, undue injury. It carries a penalty of six up to 10 years in prison and perpetual disqualification from public office.

The case stemmed from the NPDC’s payment of a total of P7.842 million to Variance Protective and Security Agency for services it rendered in 2004.

The court said Recio’s defense team was able to prove there was a delay in the enactment of the 2004 budget, hence no public bidding could be conducted.

Recio said this prompted the NPDC to just rehire Variance, which was its long-time security service provider.

The court said Recio was able to justify the decision to hire Variance on a monthly basis since there were no other security firms willing to render the services the NPDC needed and since several illegal vendors had already started occupying the parks. 

The decision was penned by division chairperson Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta with the concurrence of Associate Justices Zaldy Trespeses and Georgina Hidalgo.