Graft raps filed vs Former Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez over P1.2-billion advertising deal

Former tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez has been filed with charges of graft and corruption by the National Bureau of investigation, along with some other officials, for the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign that cost about P1.2 billion.

Former tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez / Photo from Philstar

The case was filed on May 2018 to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, saying that Jimenez violated the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

This charges were filed because Jimenez, along with a former assistant secretary, and other officials, awarded P200 million to Dentsu Advertising Agency in 2012, and extended it twice in 2013, without allowing it to go through public bidding.

A bidding is usually necessary for government projects to assure that there is no foul play or corruption that will happen.

More than this, NBI director Dante Gierran also asked the Ombusdman to charge all DOT officials who are still in office of gross negligence of duty and serious dishonesty.

“The extension of the ad contract twice in 2013 by Jimenez and his co-accused proved a conspiracy to circumvent the government’s procurement laws and processes,” said Gierran.

He said that the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) has tagged Dentsu Advertising Agency as “ineligible” for failing to submit required documents, but DOT awarded the ad campaign contract to them anyway.

Then tourism secretary Albert Lim was the one who tagged them and said that one of the documents they failed to submit was their income tax returns and audited financial statement.

The other people who were charged were DOT undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., and lawyer Guiller Asido who was former chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

The NBI added that Jimenez knew about their ineligibility and ignored the warning of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

Sources: Philstar and and The Daily Sentry

Comments

READ: Malacañang’s statement on UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard’s PH visit

From Presidential Spokesperson Ernest Abella: “We are aware that Dr. Callamard is currently in the Philippines and we are disappointed that, in not contacting our government in advance of this visit, she has sent a clear signal that she is not interested in getting an objective perspective on the issues that are the focus of her responsibility. On September 26, 2016 we sent a letter to Dr. Callamard congratulating her on her appointment as UN Special Rapporteur and in that letter we issued an invitation for her to visit the Philippines to meet with members of our government and others to get our perspective on the drug menace confronting our country and the efforts of law enforcement and others to address that challenge within the means allowed by Philippine law. Our hope at that time was that Dr. Callamard would accept this invitation as part of a commitment to carry out her new responsibilities in a manner that was objective and fair to all perspectives on th...

NBI Clearance, TIN, Birth Certificate Libre Na!

First-time jobseekers will be exempted from paying government fees and charges on documents needed for job application under a new law First-time Jobseekers Assistance Act (RA 11261) signed by President Duterte. Photo from netizenexpress.com Under the law, individuals who seek employment for the first time will be able to secure identification documents and clearances issued by the government for free. Application for the following documents will be free of charge under the new law: 1. Police clearance certificate 2. National Bureau of Investigation clearance 3. Barangay clearance 4. Medical certificate from a public hospital 5. Birth certificate 6. Marriage certificate 7. Transcript of academic records issued by state colleges and universities 8. Tax Identification Number (TIN) 9. Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card 10. Other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers for job appli...

Duterte suggests revolutionary government ‘to correct everything’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN) The President said on Tuesday he prefers the installation of a revolutionary government rather than to declare martial law or support a military-led coup if he cannot complete his six-year term. “You know, I said if I do not make it, huwag ninyong bitawan ito (Do not drop this). I’m not saying you initiate something like coup d’état. Huwag, kasi hindi na ‘yan tanggap ng Pilipino, eh (Don’t do that because Filipinos don’t accept that anymore),” he said at the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted fire, jail, and coast guard officials in Malacañang. “If you want an outright…huwag martial law (not martial law). Mag-revolutionary government ka na lang. Diretso na. (It’s better to install a revolutionary government. It’s direct.) Tapos (then) you start to correct everything,” he added. The President made the remarks after discussing anew his resolve to run after those behind the controver...

Partner for Change Philippines

Search This Blog