Graft raps filed vs. ex-Albay mayor Kare over fertilizer fund scam

Former Malinao, Albay mayor Emliana Kare has been charged before the Sandiganbayan over her alleged involvement in the fertilizer fund scam.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed two counts of graft and two counts of malversation charges against her after finding probable cause to indict her.

Apart from Kare, the Ombudsman also named as her co-accused former Department of Agriculture Region 5 (Bicol Region) officer-in-charge Hector Sales, former acting municipal accountant Rosemarie Cea-Capus and former municipal treasurer Leonora Capus.

Records show the municipal government purchased from Feshan Philippines Inc. back in 2004 a total of 4,000 liters of Bio-Nature Liquid Organic Fertilizer amounting P2,971,772.

However, the Ombudsman said those accused made the purchase without undergoing the required public bidding and the participation of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

Apart from these, the accused also identified a specific brand name to be purchased in violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Despite the irregularities, the accused still approved the release of the payments to the supplier.