A former mayor in Agusan del Norte has pleaded guilty at the Sandiganbayan of gross negligence for her failure to account for certain expenses.
The anti-graft court’s Second Division, in a decision dated January 25, found former Mayor Percianita Racho of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” for failure to render accounts in connection with the purchase of allegedly overpriced fertilizers in 2004.
In addition, the court ordered Rancho to pay a fine of P6,000 warning her that her prison term will be lengthened if she fails to pay the fine.
Racho, through her lawyer, Henry Filoteo, pleaded guilty for the lesser offense of gross negligence during her trial at the Sandiganbayan Tuesday.
The prosecution posed no objection to the manifestation of Racho, prompting the Sandiganbayan to allow the arraignment anew. Maricel V. Cruz
Racho allegedly violated Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code when she awarded in 2016 to Feshan Philippines the contract for the purchase of 2,000 liquid fertilizers at P1,500 per piece without public bidding and prescribing a preferred brand name –which constitutes a violation of procurement rules.