By Czarina Nicole O. Ong
Former Mayor Leonard Martin Sr. of Aglipay, Quirino has been slapped with two graft charges before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division in relation to the reportedly anomalous purchase of equipments worth P2.8 million for the municipality.
In the charge sheet filed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Marius Fitzgerald Veloso, Martin was accused of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act together with Municipal Treasurer Maritoni Eustaquio, Municipal Accountant's Office Officer-in-Charge Gilvern Manzano, and Municipal Supply Officer Reynante Pastor.
Private individuals – Agri-Component Corporation (AGRICOMP) Authorized Representative Elpideo Colobong Jr. and Head Elmer Baquiran – were likewise charged with graft.
Sometime between May, 2004 to June, 2006, the accused were faulted for giving unwarranted benefits and privilege to AGRICOMP when they purchased pieces of equipment via direct contracting for the municipality.
They pushed through with the transaction without complying first with mandatory public bidding, which is required under Republic Act 9184 and its implementing rules and regulations.
Their bail bond has been set at P30,000 each.