It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2190962/dilg-slaps-graft-raps-vs-bfp-chief-over-alleged-p14-million-kickbacks |
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez over alleged kickbacks, Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced on Thursday.Fernandez is accused of receiving a total of P14.7 million in kickbacks for the “systematic manipulation” of the bureau’s bidding for 132 ambulances when he was the chairperson of the bureau’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) in 2024.
These information were revealed by Remulla in a press briefing in Quezon City.
The BFP chief was lodged with a criminal case for direct bribery, malversation, conspiracy and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019; and an administrative case for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the service, Assistant Secretary Jesi Howard Lanete noted at the briefing.
The charges were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday, Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas clarified.
Given this development, the DILG also requested the Ombudsman to preventively suspend Fernandez to ensure the integrity of the investigation, Lanete added.
Tomas further noted that the case includes a second accused – a supplier whom he identified as businesswoman Rosaverna Sangga of Auto Zone Prime Distributors Inc.
“These are information we have gathered from the testimony of someone who personally witnessed the preparation of the SOP money as well as the handing of the same to Fernandez,” Tomas explained.
“In all, we are confident that the information we have gathered is sufficient to charge Mr. Fernandez for administrative and criminal cases,” he added.
The procurement for the ambulances began in September 2024, according to Tomas.He alleged that Sangga had entered the bidding process through a joint venture with an automotive company, which he did not name, and was awarded the contract for the delivery of the ambulances.
This was reportedly followed by a payout of two suitcases containing P6 million and P4.7 million to Fernandez at a Quezon City restaurant in November 2024; and another luggage containing P4 million, Tomas detailed.
“The supplier herself gave the money to Fernandez,” Lanete explained.
Tomas noted that investigators have also acquired the affidavit of the manager of the automotive company involved, detailing the alleged scheme.
The Inquirer is working to seek comment from both Fernandez and Sangga. It will publish their sides once available.
It previously sought comment from Fernandez about the allegations against him via text message on two occasions, but he has yet to respond and address the accusations.
Lanete noted that several John Does and Jane Does of the BAC at the time of the procurement are also under investigation but they have yet to be included in the case.
He said that investigators have yet to determine their level of participation in the alleged kickback scheme.Remulla said his department, which supervises the BFP, had uncovered irregularities tied to the procurement process.
“This is just part one of the charges we will file against BFP officials. In the coming days, we’ve developed cases about bid rigging in procuring fire trucks,” Remulla pointed out.
“If you think this was big, what they did with the fire trucks was much larger,” he gave an advance description.
The secretary earlier alleged that the bureau was able to amass P15 billion annually through questionable practices, including compelling business owners to buy fire extinguishers from suppliers linked to fire inspectors, charging fees for complete firefighting services, and demanding money from applicants seeking to enter the agency.
“If you thought that money only goes to the regional director, it goes as far up as the chief of the BFP,” Remulla said.
He previously singled out Fernandez, accusing the fire official of sending an emissary to a close friend to offer the secretary P1.5 million in kickbacks for every fire truck sold to the BFP.
The Inquirer has sought comment from Fernandez on the allegations several times, but he has yet to address the accusations.
The BFP earlier expressed support for Remulla’s campaign against alleged corruption in the organization, saying it was a directive to confront the “hard truths” within the bureau.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez over alleged kickbacks.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2191530/herbosa-3-other-doh-execs-face-graft-raps-for-alleged-bid-rigging |
Another complaint has been filed against Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, along with three other health officials and employees, over alleged rigging in the procurement of mobile primary care facilities (MPCF) worth P1.8 billion.
The nine-page complaint was filed on Friday at the Office of the Ombudsman by a group of individuals who call themselves “concerned DOH (Department of Health) employees,” the same group that had previously accused Herbosa of alleged irregularities.
Also named as respondents were Health Undersecretary Glen Matthew Baggao, whom the group said was the named head of the Health Facilities Enhancement Programs; Brigida Romualdez-Aquino, the head executive assistant to the secretary of health; and Allan Tope, an Executive Assistant VI also to the secretary.
This time, the group asked the Ombudsman to investigate Herbosa and the other accused individuals for possible graft and violation of the New Government Procurement Act and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) over the “serious irregularities” surrounding the MPCF procurement.
They also sought the respondents’ preventive suspension, saying their “continued presence in office poses a serious threat to the ongoing investigation.”
The complainants also accused Herbosa and the other respondents of “conspiracy” and “bid rigging” in the procurement of the MPCF, which they said contravenes the IRR of the New Government Procurement Act.
The complaint explained that several “red flags” have been raised over the MPCFs across 83 provinces and an October 2025 memorandum from one of the offices of the DOH revealed that only 25 percent of the distributed units were functioning well.
It cited “local reports” that MPCFs in the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental were “non-functional,” while those in Siquijor and Zamboanga del Norte lack the necessary reagents and trained personnel.
The group alleged that Herbosa “deliberately disregarded the red flags” reported on the MPCF and that he “personally directed” Murillo to follow the terms of reference (TOR).
Health Undersecretary Gregorio Murillo Jr. then transmitted the TOR, the purchase request, project procurement management plan, and the “related procurement documents” on Nov. 7, 2025, for the acquisition of the MPCFs with an approved budget of P1.8 billion, according to the complaint.
Murillo then referred the same set of documents to the Health Facility Enhancement Program Management Office (HFEP-MO), which the complaint said evaluated the documents and found them “consistent with previous reports of non-functionality of the MPCFs.”
Tope and Aquino, on Nov. 12, 2025, endorsed to Murillo a “market study” on the technical specifications for the procurement of 150 units of fully-equipped MPCFs, said the complaint, adding that the two “attempted to modify the TOR with ‘tailor-fitted/lock specifications.’”
The respondents, according to the complaint, “indefinitely postponed” the pre-procurement conference and even “demanded” a revision of the TOR, allegedly to “match” Herbosa’s directives, instead of the HFEP technical team’s upgraded version.”
The HFEP-MO designed the TOR in a bid to resolve the deficiencies identified contained in the report by one of the DOH units focusing on adult-only X-ray capabilities, the lack of reagents and the “cramped” workspaces for laboratory and X-ray procedures, with revisions proposed that include X-ray for children, guaranteed provision of reagents and an updated interior layout to optimize the “limited workspace,” the complaint read.
It also said that Herbosa removed Murillo from his post since he “chose to advocate for upgraded facilities that complied with safety and dignity standards,” leading to Baggao to be appointed as head of the HFEP-MO.
“Despite lacking any legitimate authority, they blatantly overstepped their bounds by intervening in the procurement process, substituting their own judgment and undermining the decisions of Usec. Murillo,” according to the complaint.
“Rather than respecting the boundaries of his office, respondent Herbosa utilized his position to assert dominance over the procurement process, directing his most trusted aides, respondents Romualdez-Aquino and Tope, to compel employees of the procuring entity to alter the terms of reference for the project,” it also said.
The Inquirer has reached out to Herbosa for his side on the matter, but has yet to respond as of posting.
Another complaint has been filed against Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, along with three other health officials and employees, over alleged rigging in the procurement of mobile primary care facilities worth P1.8 billion.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270370 |
A government job order employee has been busted on drug charges.Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 5 (Bicol) arrested a female job order employee found in possession of more than PHP1.3 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Ligao City, Albay on Wednesday.
The PDEA-5, in a report on Thursday, identified the arrested suspect only as alias Nef, 46, a job order employee of the Guinobatan town government in Albay.
“The suspect, classified as a high-value target, was caught during the operation with 200 grams of suspected shabu,” the agency said in its report.
The operation was led by PDEA-5’s Regional Special Enforcement Team 1, with support from other PDEA teams and personnel from various provincial police units.
The suspect in custody is currently facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/05/ex-lto-chief-now-ltfrb-chairman-mendoza-charged-with-graft-in-p169-computer-fee-charged-to-puvs |
A graft complaint has been filed against former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza, now chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), on the P169 computer fee charged to public utility vehicles (PUVs) by Stradcom Corporation from 2025 to 2026.
The complaint filed by the Federated Land Transport Organizations of the Philippines (FELTOP) accused Mendoza of giving undue preference to the IT firm as it allowed Stradcom to collect fees from operators.
The group asked the Office of the Ombudsman to issue a 90-day preventive suspension of Mendoza.
It also sought the refund of the P169 that was paid by millions of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators since Jan. 28, 2025.
FELTOP Spokesperson June Barga said that the computer fee might be considered a small amount for some individuals, but it still adds up to the growing expenses of jeepney drivers and operators.
Barga said he and his group could not understand why the computer fee was brought back by Mendoza, when earlier LTO chiefs already removed its implementation.
Mendoza issued a statement. He said the complaint is "not about accountability" as it is a "plain and simple desperation to get even."
"Our aggressive policy reforms geared towards fast and comfortable services when I was still in the LTO cut deep into the interests of some individuals and groups that they still feel the sharp and biting pain of the effects until now - and therefore, could not move on," he said.
He added: "Nevertheless, I respect and welcome the decision of a self-proclaimed transport group to bring the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman since this is the proper forum to shed light into this old and recycled issue."
A graft complaint has been filed against former Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza, now chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, on the P169 computer fee charged to public utility vehicles by Stradcom Corporation from 2025 to 2026.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/703578/oslob-buy-bust-nets-barangay-councilor-cohort |
A barangay councilor and his cohort were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok San Jose 2, Barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob town, on Friday evening, March 6, 2026.
The suspect was identified as Ernesto Sogaral Gumapon, alias “Erning,” 45 years old, married, a barangay councilor, and a resident of the said place.
Gumapon was considered a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade.
His cohort, Rhielley Bryce Cayon Rendon, alias “Dodong,” 23 years old, a resident of the said place, was also arrested during the operation.
Police Major Alejandro Batobalonos, chief of Oslob Municipal Police Station, said the suspect was already included in the drug list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and was placed under monitoring by the Municipal Drug Enforcement Units due to his illegal activity.
During the buy-bust operation, a police undercover was able to purchase a small sachet of alleged illegal drugs worth P500.
When the police arrested the suspect, they recovered .85 grams of alleged shabu from his possession worth P5,780.
Batobalonos said that the barangay official has been involved in illegal drug trade for several years already and has been evading arrest by authorities.
With his arrest, Batobalonos said that this will have a significant effect on the supply of drugs in the said barangay.
He also expressed gratitude to residents in the said place for assisting the police in their campaign against illegal drugs.
He also thanked the local government of Oslob for supporting their campaign against any form of crime in the town.
A barangay councilor and his cohort were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok San Jose 2, Barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob town, on Friday evening, March 6, 2026.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2192032/2-police-officers-3-others-nabbed-in-taguig-buy-bust |
Two police officers and three other individuals were arrested on Saturday in a drug buy-bust operation in Taguig City, according to the Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).
The PDEG identified the arrested police officers ass PCpl. Dennis Lucido Escover and PCpl. Ralph Kenny Aligayen Baden, who are both presently assigned at the Taguig City police.
The three other arrested individuals were identified as Renzo Ordeniza, John Bryan Vergancia, and Desiree Nebrao.
The PDEG reported that the five individuals were arrested for violating the Section 5 Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972.
The operation was conductedin Arca South in Taguig City at around 4:20 p.m.
The PDEG added the .9mm caliber pistols issued to Baden and Escover were recovered, as well as 100 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P680,000, five cellular phones, and various IDs.
Two cops have been busted for drugs.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2192681/police-intel-officer-shot-dead-in-bulacan-village |
An officer assigned to the provincial police’s intelligence unit was shot dead by an unidentified male perpetrator at the basketball court of a Guiguinto, Bulacan subdivision, the local police said.
Identified as Police Master Sgt. Jose Uring, 50, the officer supposedly met with the homeowners’ association to discuss the election of their officers on Sunday night, according to a police report from the Guiguinto Municipal Police Station.
“While the victim was walking towards the tent of the rented mobile system, [the] suspect approached the victim from behind and shot [Uring,] hitting him at the back of his head,” the municipal police explained.
“During the commotion, the suspect immediately fled, while some witnesses threw chairs at him, [causing] the latter [to fire] another shot at the crowd, hitting [54-year-old Jorilyn Acedera] in her left knee,” it added.
Both victims were brought to the Guiguinto Polymedic Hospital, where Uring was declared dead on arrival, while Acedera began undergoing treatment.
According to the police, the unidentified male perpetrator was last seen fleeing on foot in the subdivision; wearing a face mask, a black t-shirt and light-colored pants; and using a pistol of an unidentified caliber.
Investigators have yet to release further details.
An officer assigned to the provincial police’s intelligence unit was shot dead by an unidentified male perpetrator at the basketball court of a Guiguinto, Bulacan subdivision, the local police said.
Vice Mayor Jen Capil began serving as mayor of Porac, Pampanga, on Monday, after her father, Jaime “Jing” Capil, was suspended for 90 days due to graft related to operating a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in the municipality.
Myra Soriano, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said the agency served the 90-day preventive suspension order on Mayor Capil last Friday.
The order was issued in a resolution by Acting Presiding Judge Josephine Advento of Branch 265 of the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City on Feb. 23.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission filed the criminal case, which includes seven counts of graft for violating Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
“Accused Capil was charged with committing fraud when he gave unwarranted benefit, advantage, and preference to Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. by approving, issuing, and granting a mayor’s business permit in favor of Lucky South 99 to operate as a Pogo despite not being legally entitled to such permit,” a portion of Advento’s order read.
Capil had earlier argued that a preventive suspension was “no longer necessary or reasonable.”
In December 2025, Capil posted a cash bond of P630,000 for his temporary liberty.
Lucky South operated on a 10-hectare property leased by an affiliate firm from the Grand Palazzo Royal, located at the boundary of Angeles City and Porac. Capil reportedly failed to conduct inspections despite reports of torture, financial scams, and prostitution.
Vice Mayor Jen Capil began serving as mayor of Porac, Pampanga, on Monday, after her father, Jaime “Jing” Capil, was suspended for 90 days due to graft related to operating a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in the municipality.
Facing 10 criminal cases of estafa with no bail, Pampanga Board Member Estelito “Shiwen” Lim voluntarily surrendered on Monday morning to Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda at the provincial capitol.
Pineda, who serves as the presiding officer of the Provincial Board, immediately turned Lim over to Col. Eugene Marcelo, provincial police director, who then handed him to Col. Pearl Joy Gollayan, City of San Fernando police chief.
At the police station, an Inquirer source said Lim was formally booked, with his mugshots and fingerprints taken, and also underwent a medical examination.
The arrest warrant, dated Feb. 18, was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Third Judicial Region, Branch 44 in San Fernando City.
Presiding Judge Mary Jane Bacara Buenaventura set no bail for nine of the estafa cases and P48,000 for another, according to court records.
Lim, serving his first term, is accused by multiple complainants of failing to return capital and interest on investments made in his restaurants, shoe businesses, and other ventures.
Records from the Securities and Exchange Commission indicate that his firm was not licensed to solicit investments.
The board member also has pending warrants for other cases. This marks the first time a sitting Pampanga provincial board member has been arrested on criminal charges.
Facing 10 criminal cases of estafa with no bail, Pampanga Board Member Estelito “Shiwen” Lim voluntarily surrendered on Monday morning to Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda at the provincial capitol.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/10/rep-odie-tarriela-of-occidental-mindoro-faces-graft-charge-before-ombudsman |
Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela was charged with graft on Tuesday, March 10, for allegedly receiving “kickbacks” from contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya in several anomalous flood control projects.
The complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by Radamalyn Fernando Cardoza, a resident of the province, who claimed that Tarriela was one of those mentioned by the contractor spouses during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing held on Sept. 8, 2025.
Congressman Tarriela could not be contacted for comment as of posting time.
Cardoza said the Discaya couple mentioned the name of Tarriela multiple times in publicly reported proceedings as one of the lawmakers who "requested or received commissions in connection with the bidding, award, or implementation of flood control infrastructure projects."
"Based on publicly accessible accounts of the hearing, the contractors asserted that the disputed commissions were characterized as a percentage of the overall contract value and were allegedly imposed to ensure the continuity or unimpeded processing of projects, notwithstanding that the authority to implement such projects lies with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)," Cardoza also said in the complaint.
Since Tarriela has refuted the allegations, Cardoza said he made an effort to research on the infrastructure projects in Occidental Mindoro that he hopes the Ombudsman would look into. He said he uncovered 33 projects amounting to P3,277,636,746.20.
Out of the 33 projects, Cardoza said there were six projects in San Jose involving P270,965,075.50; San Jose Market involving P193 million; Busuanga River Rizal involving P45 million; six projects in Rizal worth P990,091,969.44; eight projects in Abra de Ilog worth P812,589,667.54; and 11 projects in Sablayan worth P965,990,033.72.
Cardoza said he made formal requests for copies of public documents from the DPWH-Occidental Mindoro District Office, but his requests were not acted upon.
"The absence of accessible documentation has constrained independent verification of project details," he said.
Cardoza said: "The complaint is submitted in good faith, with full regard for the constitutional rights of the respondent and the presumption of innocence. It is not intended to harass, malign, or prejudice any party, but solely to seek a lawful determination as to whether probable cause exists."
Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody “Odie” F. Tarriela was charged with graft for allegedly receiving “kickbacks” from contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya in several anomalous flood control projects.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/11/dismissed-cop-cohort-linked-to-fatal-shooting-of-bulacan-police-officer-arrested |
Authorities in Central Luzon arrested two suspects in the fatal shooting of a police officer in Guiguinto, Bulacan, during coordinated hot pursuit operations on Tuesday, March 10.
Col. Angel L. Garcillano, Bulacan police director, said the suspects were apprehended in separate operations in the towns of Bulakan and Obando less than 48 hours after the incident.
Investigators identified the alleged gunman as a dismissed police officer previously assigned in Obando, while the other suspect served as the driver and cohort.
Operatives from Guiguinto Municipal Police Station, Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit, PNP Investigation and Detection Management Unit, Bulakan and Obando police stations, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, PECU Bulacan, RSOG3, and RIU3 led the manhunt, which also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, a grenade, motorcycles, and other pieces of evidence.
Police Region Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez credited the swift arrest to strong coordination among police units.
The victim, Police Master Sgt. Jose Uring, was shot at close range at a basketball court in Brgy. Panginay, Guiguinto, Bulacan, during the caucus of the Brooklyn Heights Homeowners Association on Sunday evening, March 8.
Uring was a member of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit and was in his second year as president of the homeowners association.
Jorilyn Acedera, 54, a resident of the subdivision, was injured during the incident.
Authorities said a bullet from a .45-caliber gun hit the back of Uring’s head, causing his death.
According to the victim’s wife, Staff Sgt. Hazel Uring, her husband had been worried days before the incident because of posts in their group chat that upset him.
She added that her husband had not received threats related to his police work, but there may have been issues connected to his role as president of their subdivision. The homeowners' association is set to hold elections on March 14, where he is seeking a third term.
A dismissed police officer has been arrested for killing another police officer.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/11/ex-antique-gov-cadiao-other-officials-contractor-charged-with-graft-in-p531-m-provincial-government-center |
A graft complaint has been filed against former Antique governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, eight other officials, and a contractor for the alleged irregular construction of P531.2 million Antique Government Center.
Also charged before the Office of the Ombudsman were Provincial Accountant Esther Minnie A. Julian, Provincial Treasurer Joyce N. Suriaga, Provincial Engineer and bids and awards committee (BAC) Vice Chairman Inocencio P. Dajao, Jr., former provincial administrator and BAC chairman Nery G. Duremdes, former BAC vice chairman Nicolasito S. Calawag, Jr., BAC member Rachel B. Gindap, former BAC member Rene B. Oberio, former BAC Secretariat Bienvenido E. Nallos Jr., and the owners of F. Gurrea Construction, Inc.
The complaint against them was filed by Jon Sherwin S. Pacete and Wilson A. Geronimo.
The complainants said that the Antique Government Center was situated on a 6.4-hectare agricultural land in Barangay Badiang, San Jose de Buenavista town.
They claimed that Cadiao formally requested the reclassification of the lot from agricultural to institutional use, but was denied in Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolution No. 54, Series of 2023 and the project was publicly shelved.
However, the complainants alleged that F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. proceeded with the project and finished 30 percent by Jan. 22, 2025.
They also alleged that F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. was initially paid P144,689,986.22 as "Mobilization Payment" then P386,572,719.64 as "First and Partial Progress Payment" on May 14, 2025.
Pacete and Geronimo claimed that a work stoppage order was issued on June 20, 2025 due to the absence of a building permit.
On Feb. 18, 2026, they alleged that the Office of the Building Official of San Jose de Buenavista issued an official certification confirming that no building permit was ever approved for the Antique Government Center.
"The core issue in this complaint is whether public funds may lawfully be disbursed for substantial structural works undertaken on a project site affected by unresolved land-use classification issues, absence of building permit, issuance of a Work Stoppage Order, and official confirmation that the building footprint lies within an irrigation service area," the complainants told the Ombudsman.
They allege that “the release of P531,262,705.86 to F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. under these circumstances exposed the provincial government to potential audit disallowance, invalid expenditure, legal nullification of works undertaken, and financial loss arising from non-compliance with regulatory requirements."
They also alleged that the payment made to F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. - particularly the mobilization payment - was entered into the accounting records on Sept. 14, 2023 or six and a half months after the SB Resolution was issued that formally denied the request for land reclassification on Feb. 27, 2023.
They added that the payment was done six months after Cadiao said on March 1, 2023 that the project had been shelved.
A graft complaint has been filed against former Antique governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, eight other officials, and a contractor for the alleged irregular construction of P531.2 million Antique Government Center.
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed a regional trial court’s (RTC) ruling that convicted Liquidating Officer Manuel A. Jalimao for misappropriating P1.3 million public funds of the Camarines Norte provincial government.The RTC based in Daet found Jalimao guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for converting P1.3 million for his personal use in 2008.
The trial court sentenced him to a jail term ranging from six years, one month and 10 days as minimum to 10 years, two months and 21 days as maximum, and to pay a fine of P1,360,294.58. He was also barred perpetually from holding public office.
Jalimao appealed the RTC’s ruling before the Sandiganbayan.
On top of affirming the conviction, the anti-graft court increased the maximum jail term to 11 years, six months and 21 days. It also ruled that the civil liability with payment of interest should be reckoned from the finality of the judgment until it is fully paid.
In his appeal, Jalimao claimed that the RTC committed reversible error in failing to dismiss the case against him due to inordinate delay in the termination of the preliminary investigation.
He also argued against his conviction, which he claimed was wrong as the prosecution failed to prove all the elements of the crime charged.
But the Sandiganbayan said there was no inordinate delay. The records of the case show that the formal complaint was filed before the Office of the Special Prosecutor on Aug. 26, 2009, while the preliminary investigation was terminated with the filing of the criminal charge before the RTC on Sept. 16, 2010.
It also said: "The entire period of investigation covered approximately one year and one month, or almost 400 days. While the period may, at first glance, appear lengthy, this Court is not persuaded that the same was attended by vexatious, capricious, or oppressive circumstances as contemplated under prevailing jurisprudence."
At the same time, the anti-graft court found that the prosecution was able to prove the existence of all elements of malversation.
It said the evidentiary documents and testimonies of the prosecution's witnesses all established that P1,361,083.72 was received by Jalimao and remained unremitted, therefore constituting the shortage for which he was held accountable.
"Given the strength of the prosecution's documentary and testimonial evidence, and that accused-appellant Jalimao failed to present evidence or failed to satisfactorily explain the shortage, the presumption remains unrebutted. Hence, a conviction against him is warranted," the Sandiganbayan ruled.
The 42-page decision dated Feb. 24, 2026 was written by Associate Justice Lord A. Villanueva with the concurrence of Associate Justices Sarah Jane T. Fernandez and Kevin Narce B. Vivero of the court’s sixth division.
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