THE Ombudsman-Visayas affirmed the charges filed against former Bogo mayor Celestino Martinez III and municipal treasurer Rhet Minguez for the anomalous implementation of the 2004 farm inputs and farm implements program.
In May 2004, Bogo received six checks worth P6 million from the Department of Agriculture regional field unit for procurement of fertilizers for rice and corn.
(Read: Martinez served dismissal order)
The Bogo City government entered into an agreement with non-government organization (NGO) Sikap Yaman even if it was not accredited as required under a Commission on Audit circular.
The Ombudsman said Martinez and Minguez issued undated and unnumbered disbursement vouchers and allotment and obligation slips.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said despite these irregularities Martinez and Minguez signed the vouchers and slips and checks which allowed the illegal disbursement of public funds.