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‘Most alleged corruption cases involve procurement’
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Posted on May 08 2009
Public Auditor Mike Pai said alleged corruption cases that the Office of the Public Auditor is currently looking into involve the procurement of services and goods because these transactions involve substantial amount of funds.
“These transactions are more difficult to investigate because they often involve collusion of various individuals. The issues of corruption may also arise in transactions related to personnel, travel, representation expenses, and land transactions, among others. Persons at any level of government may be involved, including top officials,” Pai told Saipan Tribune.
Rosauro D. Zapanta, senior analyst manager, said OPA could not disclose the number of ongoing audits and investigations that arose from allegations of corruption.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial earlier said his administration does not tolerate corruption.
The public auditor also said the result of the federal case that found former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, former Commerce Secretary James Santos and his wife Joaquina Santos guilty of defrauding the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. serves as a deterrent.
“OPA views the outcome of the case as a deterrent because it shows that persons at any level of government or society involved in corruption can be brought to justice,” Pai said.
Villagomez is the highest CNMI official ever to be convicted. Former CUC executive director Anthony Guerrero and other CUC employees testified against the defendants.
“It appears that more members of the community are now willing to exercise their civil rights and openly testify in corruption cases. It appears that there are more people out there who will not be intimidated and are willing to do what is right. This will encourage public officials to perform their duties the right way,” Pai added.
OPA has been conducting presentations about the Government Ethics Code Act of 1992. Government and private entities may request OPA for the presentation.
The Ethics Act prohibits government officials and employees from soliciting gifts or gratuities, among other things.
For more information, or to report a possible violation, contact OPA at (670) 322-6481/2, or by calling the OPA hotline at (670) 322-3936.
