The Ombudsman has filed a graft and corruption charge before the Sandiganbayan against a former mayor of Quezon, Bukidnon for purchasing personal equipment using government funds in 2010.
Steward Leonardo is facing one count of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
The case stemmed from the purchases made by the municipality in an auction at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in 2010.
The municipality made a P100,000 bid deposit and was able to purchase four surplus dump trucks, 10-wheel trucks, road grader, one cargo truck, one brand new vibratory compactor, and one surplus bulldozer for P6,287,500.
Leonardo also joined the bidding and was able to get a 10-wheel truck and excavator using the bid book and bid deposit of the municipality for his personal use.
The municipality’s bid deposit of P100,000 was supposed to be deducted from the total price of the equipment purchased by the town.
Leonardo had his equipment shipped and transported, together with those procured by the municipality from Subic, to his residence in Bukidnon.
The Ombudsman recommended that the Leonardo post a bail bond of P30,000. The case is being heard by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division. (Jeffrey G. Damicog)