Ousted Laguna governor E.R. Ejercito faces graft charges

Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Sandiganbayan has set for April 18 the arraignment of former Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon  “ER” Ejercito and eight others for graft in connection with an allegedly irregular insurance deal for boatmen and tourists at Pagsanjan falls eight years ago.

The court issued the order after Ejercito, who is again running for governor, posted bail of P30,000 for his temporary freedom, which was  approved by Executive Judge Cynthia Marina-

Ricablanca of the Regional Trial Court of Sta. Cruz town.

The irregularity allegedly occurred when Ejercito was mayor of Pagsanjan town from  2001 to 2010.

In a resolution issued on March 31, the antigraft court’s Fourth Division also directed Ejercito’s coaccused to appear on the same date for their arraignment.

Besides Ejercito, also to be indicted for violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, are incumbent Pagsanjan Vice Mayor Terryl Talabong, former Vice Mayor Crisostomo Vilar, and former Councilors Arlyn Torres, Kalahi Rabago, Erwin Sacluti, Gener Dimaranan and Ronald Sablan.

The order also covered private respondent Marilyn Bruel, owner of First Rapids Care Ventures (FRCV).

The Ombudsman upheld the indictment of Ejercito and the others for allegedly entering into an agreement with FRCV regarding the insurance policies of boatmen and tourists visiting Pagsanjan Falls without conducting a public bidding.