Tuesday, April 17, 2007 Ombud reacts to guv's promise of P1M projects By Carlo P. Mallo
THE Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao will look into the remarks of a Maguindano governor last weekend who was quoted as promising P1 million worth of projects to mayors in the province who can ensure a landslide victory for administration senatorial bets.
Justice Humphrey Monteroso, Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao, believes that such statement was an indirect form of bribery.
Monteroso said that while the statement will not have immediate criminal or administrative implications, it has breached ethical standards of government officials.
"It is very wrong for him to say that, especially in public," Monteroso added.
However, Monteroso did not specify yet the possible sanctions the governor might face if he is proven to have made the offer.
"We have yet to look into the evidence," he said.
It was reported on national television Sunday that a Maguindanao governor told his mayors in the province that he would be giving them P1 million worth of projects if the senatorial bets of Team Unity will win 12-0 in their respective municipalities.
