Sandiganbayan acquits Oscar Moreno, aides

Sandiganbayan acquits ex-Gov. Oscar Moreno, aides

/ 05:10 AM November 25, 2023

Ombudsman clears Moreno from Ajinomoto case

Oscar Moreno —Inquirer Mindanao file photo

The Sandiganbayan acquitted former Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno and other provincial officials of corruption over the lease of heavy equipment from 2007 to 2011.

The antigraft court’s Second Division said the prosecution failed to prove that the lease was fraudulent. Also acquitted were former provincial administrator Patrick Gabutina, former acting provincial budget officer Elmer Wabe, former acting provincial accountant Divina Bade, former general services officer Elsie Lopoy, former assistant provincial engineer Rolando Pacuribot, and former administrative aide Leemar Tinagan.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: CDO mayor unfazed as Sandigan sets trial on graft charges

FEATURED STORIES

In an 81-page decision on Friday, the Sandiganbayan pointed out that while “the accused dispensed with the public bidding, they were not shown to have done so with fraudulent or corrupt intent, but to hasten the procurement of heavy equipment.”

It also noted that the prosecution failed to prove the third element of graft, where the actions by the former provincial officials caused undue damage or injury to the government since it was not shown as a result of the transactions.

Article continues after this advertisement

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr., the division chair and concurred by Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio. —DEMPSEY REYES

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Governor, Misamis, Sandiganbayan

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.