3 Ex-DPWH execs in ASEAN street-lighting projects gets 8 years in prison

METRO MANILA – Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Central Visayas have been convicted of of graft by the Sandiganbayan 6th Division in connection with the decorative lampposts in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, which were installed during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in 2007.

The Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division sentenced then-DPWH Regional Director Robert Lala and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members Pureza Fernandez and Agustinito Hermoso, as well as GAMPIK Construction and Development Inc Chairman Gerado Surla to up to eight years in prison.

The three former officials were found guilty under Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act while Gampik Construction and Development Inc Chairman of the board Gerardo Surla also received the same punishment.

The case came from the P35.6 million project awarded to Gampik for the installation and supply of traffic signal lights and decorative street lights in major roads in Lapu-Lapu City for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

The ombudsman said that the contract that was awarded to Gampik without lack of public bidding is a violation of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. It was found to be overpriced by P12.6 million.