THE Ombudsman has filed two counts of graft against Rudy C. Tesoro, senior vice president of the Government Service Insurance System, in connection with a P55.35 million construction award to a private contractor in 2003.

Five other GSIS officials were named Tesoro’s co-defendants in another count. They were GSIS-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members Jesusa Ruby A. Teruel, Catherine Portia P. Corteza, Adelaida J. Jamantoc, Jose Ma. C. Capalla, and Lita L. Sonalan.

Prosecutors recommended P60,000 bail for Tesoro and P30,000 for each of his five co-accused.

Graft investigators said the contract was awarded to Embrocal Builders Inc. although it submitted the highest bid of P55,350,000. The lowest bid was for P51,307,146.30, submitted by H.S. Oaminal Construction.

Tesoro in his defense said he merely relied on the recommendation of the BAC.

However, the Ombudsman said that as senior vice president, Tesoro was authorized to overturn the recommendation of the BAC. – Peter J. G. Tabingo