Tuguegarao City Mayor gets 6-8 years sentence for graft

Cagayan, Philippines—Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano and five other former Philippine National Police officials were found ‘guilty’ by the Sandiganbayan Third Division for graft in connection to the anomalous purchase of P131.5 million worth of police rubber boats and outboard motors in 2009.

The procurement of rubber boats and outboard motors, which were to be used for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation for the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009, was done from three different suppliers - EnviroAire, Inc., Geneve SA Philippines, and Bay Industrial Philippines Corp.

The suppliers were said to have been “technically and financially” unqualified.

It was also said that the required public bidding was not followed. Moreover, the purchased items were also cited as having deficiencies.

The PNP officials convicted along with Soriano were former PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa; PNP Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino Jr.; Director and BAC Vice Chair Luizo Ticman; Director and BAC member Romeo Hilomen; and Chief Superintendent and BAC member Villamor Bumanglag.

The case was filed by the Ombudsman in 2013 and the decision promulgated by the anti-graft court this June 25, 2021, says that the 6 were found ‘guilty beyond reasonable doubt’ for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Additionally, they were sentenced by the anti-graft court to 6 years and a month to 8 years and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Meantime, retired Director Ronald Roderos was acquitted due to insufficient evidence to prove his guilt while former Chief Superintended Herold Ubalde was dismissed because of his death.

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