Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos could face corruption charges for diverting P66.45 million of the provinces tobacco tax fund to purchase 115 vehicles without going through mandatory public biddings.
The House committee on good government and public accountability will probe Marcos for her “highly irregular” purchase of 40 mini cabs in December 2011, five buses in May 2012, and 70 mini-trucks in September 2012 using Ilocos Norte’s share in the excise taxes collected from the sale of Virginia-type cigarettes, the province’s main output.
Under the law, the tobacco taxes should be used to “advance the self-reliance of tobao farmers” through cooperative projects, livelihood projects, agro-industrial projects and infrastructure projects.
Marcos was the one who made the request for the purchase of the vehicles and the one who approved the disbursement voucher and checks.
The probe was sought for by Majority Leader Rudy Farinas, and Pampanga Representatives Rimpy Bondoc and Dong Gonzales who said Marcos’ diversion of the funds to buy vehicles was not allowed under the provisions of the Special Support Fund under Republic Act 7171.
Marcos was also liable for violation of RA 9148 or “Government Procurement Reform Act” and Presidential Decree 1445 for failing to conduct a bidding of the project.
