Former Capiz governor Esteban Evan Contreras has raised concerns over possible political motives behind the delayed enforcement of an Ombudsman-imposed penalty, as he campaigns to reclaim his post in the May 12, 2025, elections.
The Ombudsman issued the order on October 23, 2023, but the court only directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement it on February 29, 2024.
Contreras, who no longer holds office, questions the timing of the enforcement, especially since authorities cannot deduct the fine from his salary.
The case involves allegations of contract splitting in the 2020 procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ombudsman ruled that Contreras, former Provincial Administrator Edwin Monares, and former Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) chief Edmarie Tormon violated the Government Procurement Reform Law (RA 9184) and imposed a fine equivalent to six months’ basic salary for each respondent.
Despite this ruling, the Ombudsman dismissed all criminal and administrative charges against them for lack of merit, along with the case against supplier Nizza G. Billedo, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Incumbent Vice Governor Jaime Magbanua and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan filed the case on November 25, 2021, accusing the officials of bypassing standard bidding procedures through small-value procurement.
Contreras, who served as governor from 2019 to 2022 before losing to Fredenil “Oto” Castro, is now running as an independent candidate. He believes the timing of the enforcement aims to undermine his candidacy.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.