The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) confirmed that former Janiuay, Iloilo mayor Frankie Locsin was transferred to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Monday, Jan. 11.
Locsin, who was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in jail over the anomalous purchase of medicines worth P15 million, has been under hospital arrest since June 2019 after falling ill.
PRO-6 spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong said Locsin was brought to NBP from his confinement in a private hospital in Manila.
The Sandiganbayan found Locsin and five others guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic.
The decision was upheld by the Supreme Court (SC). This barred Locsin from serving another term as mayor.
Locsin was arrested on June 3, 2019 at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-6) office in Iloilo City where he intended to secure a clearance for his gun license application.
But the former mayor was taken to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district after he suffered from hypertension. He was then transferred to The Medical City Iloilo (TMCI) in Molo district.
When his condition improved, Locsin was given clearance by his doctors to travel.
The Sandiganbayan also convicted Accountant Carlos Moreno Jr., Budget Officer Ramon Tirador, Treasurer Luzviminda Figueroa, Ricardo Minurtio, and businessman Rodrigo Villanueva.
CASE BACKGROUND
On January 15, 2001, the local government of Janiuay called several pharmaceutical companies to bid for the program. Among those who joined the bidding were PhilPharma Wealth, Europharma Corporation, and Malix Drug Center.
On the same day, the project was awarded to Malix and Europharma Corporation. However, it was later discovered that the two companies have the same owner.
The Commission on Audit (COA) immediately terminated the project, and the Office of the Ombudsman filed a case against all those involved, including Locsin.IMT
