Ex-Bataan dad cleared of graft
By J.Lo
"The incomplete documentation in the purchase of parcels of land from Guansing was clearly established…it was also established that there was an Appraisal Committee specifically created to review and evaluate sustainability of the property as slaughterhouse," the Sandiganbayan has acquitted former mayor of Mariveles, Bataan of charges of graft in connection with local government's procurement of land in 2005.
In 26-page decision promulgated on October 24, the anti-graft court cleared Angel Viray Peliglorio Jr. of violation of Section 3(e) of Ant-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for failure of prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The court also authorized release of bail he posted and ordered lifting of hold departure order against him.
The Sandiganbayan also directed Bureau of Immigration to remove his name in the hold departure list, insofar as the case is concerned.
In 2005, Peliglorio was accused of acting with evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence when he approved acquisition of several parcels of land despite lack of important documents to support transaction.
However, court said evidence on record does not prove beyond reasonable doubt Peliglorio acted with evident bad faith or gross negligence.
"There was nothing in the evidence presented indicating accused Peliglorio had maneuvered procedure and that he obligated or forced members of both Appraisal Committee and Sangguniang Bayan to approve purchase of parcels of land," it stressed.
The anti-graft court further presumed that Peliglorio acted in good faith by relying on verification and recommendation by Budget, Accounting, and Treasurer's Office.
"Accused Peliglorio may have been negligent in failing to thoroughly countercheck documents of the sale submitted to him…from evidence submitted, Court is not prepared to conclude he consciously and intentionally did so in order to commit fraud or to purposely commit a crime," it said.
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