Castro cleared, to file raps against Ombud, ex-fiscals

After being cleared on charges of receiving a P10,000 payoff from a lawyer, it’s payback time for controversial Assistant City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro.

The prosecutor decided to file charges of ignorance of the law, incompetence, and knowingly rendering an unjust prosecution against those who prosecuted her on bribery charges.

Included in her suit were Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Palanca-Santiago; former graft investigator and now Regional Trial Court Judge Estela Alma Singco; and then Assistant Special Prosecutor and Judge Pamela Uy of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities.

Castro said she will file the charges before the Supreme Court.

“My experience was awesome as it can’t be bought by money. It made me stronger and tough. With this, I want to share my experience with them,” Castro told Cebu Daily News over the phone.

Last June 16, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Castro on charges of violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

In his decision, Justice Edliberto Sandoval of the Sandigbayan’s second division said the prosecution “failed to prove the quantum of evidence mandated by law” against Castro.

The anti-graft court said the essential element of solicitation or the acceptance of a gift or money of Castro has not been proven.

Charges were filed against Castro after she was accused of receiving P10,000 payoff from lawyer Gines Abellana on Jan. 25, 2002.

Abellana allegedly wanted to influence the outcome of drug charges in the “Triad Trial” involving three suspected members of a Hong Kong syndicate.

It was Singco who recommended the filing of charges against Castro before the Sandiganbayan.

Santiago approved Castro’s indictment while Uy prosecuted her during the trial before the anti-graft court.

“I’m preparing the charges against them,” Castro said.

She said she was optimistic that the ruling will be in her favor.

“I know I’m innocent. From the beginning, my conscience is clear,” she said.

The anti-graft court allowed Castro to claim the bail bond she earlier posted to secure temporary liberty pending trial.

The hold departure order issued against Castro is also lifted by the court.

Castro can also claim a P118,387.59 refund for the period when she got suspended in relation to the case.

“It was a good news for us. She (Castro) is vindicated after a long road of trial,” said Castro’s lawyer Joey Luis Wee.

He said the prosecution could no longer contest the ruling since it was an acquittal.

Castro is presently serving another three-month suspension after she was found guilty of the administrative offense of misconduct.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by brother Nanak and Jake Yu who accused Castro of violating a Supreme Court rule on “non-forum shopping.”

They said Castro filed a petition for annulment of her marriage in two different courts. /Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol