MANILA — State prosecutors have filed a graft case against former Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) administrator Melquiades Robles and 12 others over an alleged illegal execution of janitorial services contract.

The case stems from the janitorial service contract of LRTA with the Joint Venture of COMM Builders and Technology Philippines Corp. in 2009.

The monthly amount of P3,373,808.51 was supposedly paid to the joint venture for the deployment of 321 janitors.

However, LRTA allowed a reduction in the number of deployed janitors from a minimum of 321 to 219.

Prosecutors said the LRTA conspired in giving unwarranted benefit or preference to the joint venture.

"Thus, modifying the terms of the Contract with the Joint Venture for the Maintenance of the LRT Line 1 System, causing undue injury to LRTA in the amount of P1,072,051.30 per month or P12,864,615.63 in 2009 alone," the charge sheet read.

Also facing charges are LRTA officials and employees, namely:

Federico Canar Jr., department manager;
Dennis Francisco, engineer;
Evelyn Macalino, accounting division manager;
Marilo Liscano, special bids and awards committee (SBAC) chairman;
Elmo Stephen Triste, administrative department manager;
Eduardo Abiva, SBAC member;
Nicholas Ombao, department manager, automated fare collection system;
Roger Vaño, procurement services chief;
Maynard Tolosa, division manager;
and Juliet Labisto, human resource management officer.

Private individuals Lilia Diaz and Dennis Acorda of Joint Venture COMM Builders and Technology Philippines Corporation are also included in the case.

The case has a recommended bail of P30,000 for each accused.