Aurora ex-gov, 6 others get 10 years for graft

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced former Aurora governor Gerardo Noveras and six other former provincial officials to imprisonment of up to 10 years for graft over the anomalous award of contracts for two road repair projects in 2014.

- ELIZABETH MARCELO

In a 49-page decision promulgated on Sept. 4, the anti-graft court's Sixth Division found Noveras guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act - a provision that prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to a private party or from causing any party, including the government, undue injury.

Convicted with Noveras were former provincial budget officer Paz Torregosa, Bids and Awards Committee chairman Ricardo Bautista, provincial administrator Simeon de Castro and BAC members Norma Clemente, Isaias Noveras Jr. and Benedicto Rojo.