Court Finds Bohol Former Mayor Benedicto Alcala Guilty of Graft
BOHOL FORMER MAYOR – Benedicto Alcala, an ex-mayor of Bohol, was found guilty of graft over a purchase of a vehicle.
Recently, the Sandiganbayan has given its decision on a case involving an ex-Bohol town mayor and several other government officials over a purchase of an auto.
Based on a recent report in Inquirer, the court found Bohol former mayor Benedicto Alcala guilty of graft over acquiring a vehicle that did not go through proper procurement process.
The vehicle involved is a Kia Sorento worth P1.46 million from Gateway Motors Inc. It was acquired in 2008.
In the Fifth Division’s decision, not only Alcala but as well as Catalino Sumaylo, the budget officer during that time, was found guilty. They are sentenced to at least six(6) years and one(1) month of imprisonment up to eight(8) years.
Also, the sentence comes along with “perpetual disqualification from holding public office”.
“Being the Municipal Mayor and Head of the Procuring Entity, it is his obligation to know the law pertinent to government procurement and ensure that the municipality’s purchases comply with existing rules,” the decision reads.
According to the report, the other accused, BAC members Rena Guivencan, Rogelio Bonao, Rene Lustre, and Dionisia Estopito, were acquitted from the charges following the prosecution’s failure to prove their guilt.
We’ll keep you posted for updates.
