THE Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday found probable cause to charge former Caloocan City mayor Enrico Echiverri with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“Without authority from the Sangguniang Panglungsod, Echiverri entered into a contract with E.V. & E Construction [EVEC] which constituted an unwarranted benefit and privilege granted to a private party,” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ resolution read.
In 2011, the city undertook the improvement of the drainage system of Molave Street in Pleasantview Subdivision with the project awarded to EVEC at a contract cost of P2.97 million.
The Commission on Audit uncovered irregularities in the project, such as lack of specific appropriation ordinance and approval by the city councilors.
In October 2013, the commission issued a notice of disallowance.
Ex-accountant Edna Centeno and ex-budget officer Jesusa Garcia were also slapped with charges of graft and falsification of public documents.
For the administrative case, Garcia and Centeno were found guilty of grave misconduct and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
The offense of grave misconduct carries the penalty of dismissal from the service.
In case the penalty cannot be imposed due to separation from the service, however, it is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one-year salary.