The Sandiganbayan Seventh Division has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on former Buguias, Benguet Mayor Apolinario Camsol, now a provincial board member of Benguet, due to his pending graft charge in relation to the alleged irregular purchase of insecticides in 2004.
Camsol was accused of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act alongside then Municipal Treasurer Anecita C. Suyat, Municipal Accountant Marcelino P. Endi, and Municipal Agricultural Officer Asano E. Aban.
Back then, they were accused of giving undue advantage to PMB-Agro Goods and Services by awarding it the contract for the purchase of insecticides and fungicides worth P1,050,000 even without the conduct of any public bidding.
At the same time, they violated RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act when they specified particular brand names in the procurement process.
In an eight-page ruling, the anti-graft court relied on Section 13 of RA 3019, which requires the suspension of any public officer who is facing graft.
Should the public officer be convicted, he or she shall lose all retirement or gratuity benefits. (Czarina Nicole Ong-Ki)