DBM execs face graft raps

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the indictment for graft of six officials of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in connection with the allegedly fraudulent procurement of inflatable rubber boats for the military in 2010.

Charged in the Sandiganbayan were Budget Undersecretary Evelyn Guererro, Director Lourdes Santiago, procurement management officers Julieta Lozano and Mervin Ian Tanquintic, administrative assistant Alvin John Perater and ad hoc member Lt. Malone Agudelo.

Included as a private respondent was Anthony Hernandez of Joavi Philippines Corp., the supplier of the substandard rubber boats.

In an e-mailed statement, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said graft investigators discovered that the purchase of the rubber boats, used as rescue vessels, violated several provisions of the government’s procurement law.

For one, Morales said, the rubber boats did not have inflation valves, over-pressure valves and roll-up floors as specified in the procurement plan./rga