MANILA. The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday said it had reached "factual findings" that could make Election Commissioner Resureccion Borra subject to impeachment over the P1.3-billion Mega-Pacific computerization deal but left it up to Congress to launch the proceedings against him.

The other officials of the Commission on Elections, including chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., are still under investigation in connection with the deal, assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni told a news conference.

The Supreme Court voided the deal two-and-half years ago on grounds that the Comelec disregarded the law and its bidding procedures when it awarded the contract to automate the counting of ballots to Mega-Pacific eSolutions Inc. The Comelec and Mega-Pacific have denied any wrongdoing.

The high tribunal had given the Ombudsman until June 30-or yesterday-to resolve its probe into the liability of any official.

The Inquirer called Borra's cellphone several times to try and get his reaction but it appeared to be off.

Jalandoni said the Ombudsman had submitted a compliance report to the high court.

In a press statement, the Ombudsman's office said it had adopted a resolution "which contained factual findings that can be used by the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings against Comelec Commissioner Resureccion Borra."

Acting overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro, in a press conference, said Borra was being cited for: "Allowing the Comelec's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to declare Mega-Pacific Consortium (MPC) eligible to participate in the bidding process for the project; "For allowing material deviation from the bidding requirements; and
"For recommending to the BAC that the award be given to the MPC despite its ineligibility and technical failure."

However, Casimiro said the Ombudsman had no jurisdiction over an impeachable official like Borra, hence its recommendation to leave the matter to Congress.