The slime and corruption in our country has long been a source of embarrassment. What do people think of when they here our country name? They think bribes and embezzlement and scandal. Not a week goes by when some official or another is not caught in malfeasance of some kind. When do we put our foot down and demand honesty from those entrusted to run our country, these events are shameful. But at least now they are getting caught.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008357235
Former Philippine Mayor Convicted of Corruption
August 30, 2007 7:29 a.m. EST
Komfie Manalo - AHN News Writer
In its decision, the anti-graft court said Marquez was guilty on five counts of violating Republic Act 3119 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for the overpriced $63,000 broom deal. The former mayor was sentenced to six years to 10 years imprisonment for each count.
Aside from Marquez, also found guilty by the Sandiganbayan were former city treasurer Silvestre de Leon and bids and awards committee members Ofelia Caunan and Marilou Banael, who was also the city accountant during Marquez's term as mayor from 1995 to 1998.
However, the court dismissed the charges against city officials Flocerfida Babida, Aylyn Romea and Antonio Razo.
A special team of the Commission on Audit found that the city government bought a total of 142,612 brooms from 1996 to 1998, which was priced at $63,000. The audit team said the deal did not go through the usual bidding process, a direct violation of the law.
The special audit team said the broom deal was overpriced by $28,000.
