Ombudsman files criminal charges vs ex-MRT3 chief

The case involves Al Vitangcol’s move to award a contract to a firm where his uncle-in-law is an executive

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has filed criminal charges against former Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) general manager Al Vitangcol III and 5 others over an alleged anomalous contract for the state-run transit system.

The Ombudsman said on Tuesday, December 1, that it has filed criminal charges before anti-graft court Sandiganbayan against Vitangcol and 5 executives of the Philippine Trans Rail Management and Services Corporation (PH Trams) over the awarding of an MRT3 interim maintenance contract without public bidding in 2012.

Charged with Vitangcol are PH Trams executives Wilson de Vera, Arturo Soriano, Marlo dela Cruz, Manolo Maralit, and Federico Remo.

They are accused of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Ombudsman said that Vitangcol acted with “evident bad faith, manifest partiality, or gross inexcusable negligence” in “wilfully, unlawfully and criminally” giving “unwarranted benefits, advantage, and preference” to PH Trams and joint venture partner Comm Builders and Technology Philippines Corporation when he recommended and entered into a contract with PH Trams CB&T.

The Ombudsman said Vitangcol did so even if PH Trams was disqualified under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act.

It said this is “on account of accused Vitangcol’s relationship with accused Soriano, his uncle-in-law, which fact was intentionally concealed to ensure the award of the contract to the said joint venture, to the damage and prejudice of the government.”

Vitangcol was sacked in May 2014 over the alleged anomalous deal with his in-law. His relief was to give way to the investigation.

In June 2014, Vitangcol was sued over an alleged bribery attempt in connection with an MRT3 capacity expansion project. PH Trams representative De Vera was Vitangcol’s alleged liaison in the alleged extortion try. – Rappler.com

Source: www.rappler.com/nation