Administrator Carlos Salazar released advanced payments to the contractor while NEDA was still reviewing the P700-million Libmanan-Cabusao Diversion Dam project in Camarines Sur. The project was eventually called off.
MANILA, Philippines – The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan sentenced a former administrator of the National Irrigation Administration to six years and one month imprisonment for paying a contractor without proper approval.
In 2008, AM Oreta and Co. Inc. won the the public bidding for the project, considered by the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a priority and which was valued at P712.366. million. The winning bidder submitted a quote of P700.778 million. Based on this resolution, and without approval from NEDA-ICC yet, NIA released the following checks to AM Oreta:P49.273 million – 15% advanced payment net of applicable taxes on September 8, 2009