The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension for one month of Lianga, Surigao Del Sur officials, after they were found guilty of Simple Neglect of Duty. Ordered suspended were members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Noel Cunanan, Redentor Dela Cruz, Dr. Leo Alfonso Sarmen, Marlyn Lobo, and Edwin Igsoc.
According to the Decision, Cunanan, et. al. committed irregularities in the conduct of negotiated procurement for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s 2014 Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Program with a budget of P939,582.00. Respondents failed to search for possible alternative suppliers, and instead directly chose Green Planet Plant Nursery in violation of Section 53.1.2 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9184).
In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one month salary. ###