Sandiganbayan affirms ex-Biliran execs guilt tribune.net.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tribune.net.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
(Wikimap) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has convicted a former mayor in Biliran province and 12 others for graft over the alleged anomalous purchase of PHP8 million worth of medicines and medical supplies in 2010. Sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment were Noel Abelda, former Maripipi mayor; municipal health officer Mary Grace Llever; and Bids and Awards Committee members Wilma Elairon, Marietta Campollo, Tito Cairo, Julio Cairo Jr., Sonia Alavera, Amelia Bacolod and Sergio Mejarito; municipal accountant Michell Quinte; and state auditor Genelito Balila. Likewise convicted were Jerome Capuyan and Cherel Serato of private supplier Suremeds Marketing. "(B)y the dubious actions of the accused public officials, the procurement process was railroaded in order to give Suremeds unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference," read the 125-page decision dated Jan. 24 and made public Monday. The Ombudsman filed the charges for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Gra