Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has found probable cause to charge former Caloocan City mayor Enrico Echiverri with violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019). Former city accountant Edna Centeno and city budget officer Jesusa Garcia were also slapped with an Information for graft and an additional charge of Falsification of Public Documents.
In 2011, the city undertook the improvement of the drainage system of Molave St. in Pleasantview Subdivision with the project awarded to E.V. & E Construction (EVEC) at a contract cost of P2.97million. Upon audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) reported several irregularities in the project such as lack of specific appropriation ordinance and approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. In October 2013, the COA issued a Notice of Disallowance.
According to Ombudsman Morales, “without authority from the SP, Echiverri entered into a contract with EVEC which constituted an unwarranted benefit and privilege granted to a private party.”
In the related administrative case, Centeno and Garcia were found guilty of Grave Misconduct and perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The offense of Grave Misconduct carries the penalty of dismissal from the service. In case the penalty cannot be imposed due to separation from the service, however, it is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondents’ one year salary.
Under Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019, public officials are prohibited from causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. ###