State prosecutors have filed criminal cases with the Sandiganbayan against a former Department of Energy (DOE) executive for allegedly defrauding a contractor of P6.59 million in exchange for a solar street lighting deal that never pushed through. ADVERTISEMENTHowever, it turned out that Mapandi did not have the authority to award the project. Prosecutors recommended that bail be fixed at a total of P566,000 for the 21 counts of estafa. Estafa by means of deceit is punishable by a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. Mapandi was earlier dismissed by the Ombudsman in May 2015 after he held administratively liable for soliciting money from Sibulo.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 28, 2016 21:33 UTC