2 PNP officers dismissed over P409-M vehicle repair anomaly

MANILA -- Two Philippine National Police (PNP) officers were ordered dismissed due to the questionable repair and maintenance of 28 light armored vehicles (LAVs) of the police force worth P409.74 million in 2007.

In a 10-page resolution signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales last January 22, substantial evidence for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty was found against Antonio Retrato, PNP accounting division chief; and Eulito Fuentes, supply accountable officer.

Both officers were ordered dismissed from the government service with forfeiture of all benefits and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

And in case dismissal from service can no longer be served by reason of resignation or retirement, the resolution said the alternative penalty of fine equivalent to one year salary is imposed.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Supt. Mario San Diego, a member of the PNP National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee, was absolved from the same offenses due to lack of substantial evidence.

Retrato and Fuentes had been charged with malversation through falsification and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Fact-Finding Investigation Bureau of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, which alleged that there were irregularities in the "bidding process, awarding of contracts and utilization of funds intended for the repair/refurbishment of 28 V-150 [LAVs] of the PNP."

The Ombudsman's resolution stated that the respondents "circumvented" the provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act "to take private firms Serpenair, Enviro-Aire, Evans, RJP, Dex-Lan and RKGK Enterprises as the direct suppliers."

It added that the said companies were given "unwarranted benefit, undue advantage or preference" as they were awarded with the contracts despite "non-compliance with law and without actual delivery of goods and services at the time of payment."

Earlier this week, 11 PNP officials were also sanctioned over the anomalous purchase of 75 defective rubber boats worth P131.5 million in 2008. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)