Former Mountain Province Gov. Maximo Dalog has been charged with one count of graft before the Sandiganbayan Third Division for the allegedly anomalous procurement of a van in 2006, more than a month after he died from a blood clot and pneumonia in June.
Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Rachel Cariaga-Favila said Dalog violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when he conspired with and awarded the contract for the purchase of a Mitsubishi L-300 Versa Van to Ronhil Trading Inc. owner Ronald C. Kimakim on March 29, 2006 for P843,700.91.
Favila noted “irregularities in the procurement process” such as specifying the brand of vehicle to be purchased and deviating from the purpose of procurement.
She said these violated Republic Act 9184 and Dalog’s action caused undue injury to the government in the amount of P87,700.91 representating the difference between the amount paid to Ronhil and the lesser amount stated in the Vehicle Sales Invoice and Delivery Receipt.
Also charged with Dalog are Kimakim, former provincial accountant Theodore Marrero, provincial health officer Nenita Lizardo, provincial nurse Helen Macli-ing, bids and awards committee chairman Paulo Pagteilan, BAC members Lily Rose Kollin, Florence Gut-omen, Edward Likigan, and Soledad Theresa Wanawan, BAC Budget Officer II Jerome Falingao, executive assistant Abdon Imingan, and technical and inspection team member Abelard T. Pachingel.
Bail for the accused has been set at P30,000 each.
Because of Dalog’s death, the anti-graft court will have no choice but to eventually drop the charges against him.
Dalog also served three terms as the congressman of the lone district of Mountain Province. (Czarina Nicole O. Ong)