“In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” –Tom Bodett

When former Janiuay Mayor Frankie Locsin sought his previous post in last month’s midterm elections, he probably had no idea his appeal before the Sandiganbayan regarding graft charges would be denied by the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, when he was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents, his hypertension flared up and was rushed to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City’s Mandurriao district.
Despite winning the race, beating his closest opponent, Janiuay Vice Mayor Joseph Anthony Lutero, 10,940 votes to 7,185, it could not save him from the high court’s guillotine.
The graft case stemmed from a purchase of medicine by the Janiuay municipal government worth P15 million, stemming from a 2001 Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation by Senator Vicente Sotto III. Locsin and five others were found in violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which describes act of corruption, including “persuading, inducing, or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations duly promulgated by competent authority or an offense in connection with the official duties of the latter, or allowing himself to be persuaded, induced, or influenced to commit such violation or offense.”
A supplier, whose accreditation had been suspended by the Department of Health, was not eligible for bidding yet won the multi-million medical supply contract.
Those found guilty were sentenced to six to 10 years behind bars and perpetual disqualification from public office. In addition, the Sandiganbayan called for Locsin to appear before their court “as soon as possible.”
The Office of the Ombudsman found “apparent haste” in the process of awarding Mallix Drug Center a P1.7 million purchase contract, along with a P13.1 million contract with the AM Europharma Corporation. However, after finding out a certain Rodrigo Villanueva ran both entities, red flags went up with the Ombudsman. They later found out Villanueva was the sole proprietor for Mallix Drug Center and president of AM Europharma.
The court decision claimed there was “conspiracy between accused public officials (and) members of the municipal Committee on Awards of Janiuay.”
“There was unanimity of purpose and intent on the part of said accused officials to consummate the said procurement in favor of accused Rodrigo Villanueva,” the Sandiganbayan affirmed.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ