Group slams ‘double standard’ in graft raps vs Marinduque gov

A group of Marinduque residents has assailed what it said was the slow pace of the criminal cases filed against the province’s governor, a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

The cases for graft against Gov. Carmencita Reyes, said the group led by Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco, were filed two years ago but have not moved since.

In a statement, Velasco said Reyes appeared to be getting special treatment from government prosecutors who failed to file a motion to suspend Reyes in accordance with the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“This is patent double standard,” Velasco said in his statement.

“Where is justice here when the criminal cases against the governor are strongly anchored on solid, factual and legal basis?” he said.

Reyes has not yet been arraigned two years after the cases were filed. She has a pending petition for the issuance of a temporary restraining order against the cases’ trial in the Supreme Court.

Last year, a group called Marinduque Reform Movement (MRM) accused the Office of the Ombudsman of bias for not moving to suspend Reyes.

Reyes faces malversation and graft cases for the use of funds meant instead for fertilizers to buy agricultural equipment, like shredding machines.

The deal for the purchase of the equipment was awarded to the company LCV Design and Fabrication Corp. without public bidding.

Reyes was allied with detained former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until President Aquino won in 2010 when Reyes shifted to LP.

The MRM has asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to set the two cases against Reyes for hearing to determine probable cause and move for the suspension of Reyes while the cases are pending.