Ombudsman probe of ex-Ifugao governor over vehicle purchase sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) wants the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate former congressman Teodoro Baguilat Jr. and other former provincial government officials of Ifugao over alleged irregularities in the purchase of a vehicle when he was governor in 2008.

“In view of violations of law, rules and regulations, the case shall be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation and filing of appropriate charges if warranted against the persons liable for the transaction,” the commission proper said in a decision dated May 30, 2022 but uploaded on its website only yesterday.

The COA’s prosecution and litigation office was directed to forward the records of the case to the ombudsman.

The commission upheld a notice of disallowance and a supplemental ND issued by a local audit team in 2009 and 2015, respectively.

The ND and supplemental ND stemmed from the Ifugao provincial government’s purchase of an Isuzu Alterra worth P1.5 million.

The audit team said the vehicle was purchased without public bidding in violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The audit team said Baguilat and members of the provincial bids and awards committee (BAC) resorted to direct contracting without valid justification and despite failure to meet the prerequisites for an alternative mode of procurement.

Baguilat and the BAC officials identified a specific brand name of vehicle to be procured, it added.

The audit team said the procured vehicle was second-hand when it was stipulated in the contract with the dealer, Domingo Motor Sales, that a brand new motor vehicle shall be delivered.

However, the COA said the amount of liability under the original ND and supplemental ND must be reduced, considering that the procured vehicle was delivered and was used by the provincial government.

Aside from Baguilat, the other officials said to be liable for the transaction were executive assistant Charles Baguilat, provincial accountant Francis Biwit, provincial governor representative Shadrach Buenaventura, general services office representative Edward Kimmayong, BAC president Janet Sambrano, BAC members Carlos Catama and Romeo Habbiling.

The vehicle dealer should also be investigated, the COA said.