Former MRT General Manager To Be Charged By Ombudsman
Former MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol III is wanted by the ombudsman charged for graft and corruption.
The MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol III allegedly given the maintenance contract of the MRT to one company in which he has a relative.
This is not allowed under the law. The MRT General Manager violated the provision of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The Ombudsman wanted to file a case for graft and violation of the government procurement reform act against the former MRT General Manager.
Aside from the former MRT General Manager, 5 other incorporators of the company PH Trams might also be charged for the illegal maintenance contract of the MRT.
The 5 other PH Trams Incorporators according to the Ombudsman resolution are the following:
- Arturo Soriano
- Wilson De Vera
- Marlo Dela Cruz
- Manolo Marali
- Federico Remo
This is in connection with the 350 million pesos contract for the temporary maintenance of MRT.
In 2012, the original maintenance provider of MRT expired.
The Ombudsman, an independent government agency which prosecutes government officials who violates the law said that the giving of the maintenance contract to PH Trams was illegal because the former MRT General Manager hide the fact that he is related to Arturo Soriano, one of the PH Trams Incorporators.
The Ombudsman Resolution specifically said that the former MRT General Manager “intentionally hid his relationship with Arturo Soriano” a very clear violation of the law.
Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan said that PH Trams should have been automatically disqualified from bidding the maintenance contract.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya was absolved of any liability caused by the illegal contract.
The Ombudsman in absolving the Transportation Secretary said that “it could not be said, therefor that, he was privy to any transaction or negotiation before said date”.
The anomalous contract happened one day before he was appointed as DOTC Secretary.
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