Ex-Bacolod lawmaker cleared of graft

BACOLOD CITY—The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella of graft over the alleged irregular purchase of information technology (IT) packages valued at P26 million for local public schools.

In its decision on Monday, the antigraft court said the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of Puentevella and his coaccused, Jessie Garcia, owner of the firm that supplied the IT packages, bought through the former lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund. It also absolved the two of any civil liability. —CARLA GOMEZ