The National Bureau of Investigation in Bacolod is recommending the filing of charges for violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Marie Stopes Ligation-Population Services Pilipinas Inc. and the Bago city health officer.

NBI Bacolod chief Philip Pecache yesterday said he is recommending the filing of charges after the Securities and Exchange Commission informed him that Marie Stopes is not registered with the SEC either as a corporation, or as a partnership.

The NBI has been investigating Marie Stopes following the death of Perseveranda Sioco of Barangay Sagasa, Bago City, on Nov. 28 after she reportedly underwent an operation performed on Nov. 25 by a doctor from the non-government organization at the Bago District Hospital.

The Marie Stopes bilateral tubal ligation activities at the Bago District Hospital were allowed by Dr. Pilar Mabasa, Bago City health officer and OIC chief of the hospital.

The Department of Health has said a nationwide cease and desist order on Marie Stopes is still valid. Pecache said that, under the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a public officer can be held liable for granting privileges to any person who is not qualified.

We will send our recommendation and all the evidence we gathered on Marie Stopes to the NBI Manila legal division this week, he said.

Pecache said they are also awaiting an autopsy report to determine if there was negligence in the death of Sioco.*CPG

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