The Bureau of Corrections filed complaints–including looting and embezzlement of public funds– against suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag, and others.
BuCor acting chief Gregorio Catapang filed the complaints with the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) this Monday.
Aside from plunder and malversation of public funds through falsification of official documents, Bantag was also charged with violating the anti-graft and corruption law, and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Among the complaints against Bantag are related to the P1 billion funds earmarked for the construction of three prison facilities in Davao Prison and Penal Farm (Lot 1), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Lot 2) and Leyte Regional Prison (Lot 3), bid on September 17, 2020, worth P300 million each.
“Respondent Bantag in conspiracy with, and with indispensable complicity of, the other herein respondents, has purposely and systematically orchestrated the diversion/misappropriation and/or consenting or permitting other persons, to take public funds, of the Bureau of Corrections,” the complaint stated.
BuCor files plunder, graft cases against Bantag
Bantag’s plan to divert or “misappropriate” funds allegedly began when the former official formed a separate BuCor Bidding and Award Committee (BAC) for such projects.
Those who complained included Correction Technical Superintendent Arnold Jacinto Guzman, Correction Inspector Ric Rocacurba, Correction Inspector Solomon Areniego, Correction Technical Officer 1 Jor-el De Jesus, Correction Technical Officer 2 Angelo Castillo, and Correction Technical Officer Alexis Catindig.
In November 2022, Bantag and five others have been charged with murder in connection with the killing of hard-hitting broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.
Aside from Bantag, the case also presented National Bilibid Prison (NBP) Supt Ricardo Zulueta, Denver Mayores from Iwahig Prison and Bantag’s trusted aide, Alvin Labra, Batang City Jail (BCJ) commander, Aldrin Galicia, Sputnik Gang commander, and Happy Go Lucky commander Alfie Peñaredonda.
It can be remembered that Lapid was shot while riding in his car outside the BF Resort Village in Las Piñas on October 3 at night.
Before Estorial surrendered, a reward of P6.5 million was offered to anyone who could point to the suspects in Lapid’s murder.
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