Malabuyoc mayor acquitted of graft charges

CEBU, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has acquitted Malabuyoc Mayor Narciso "Lito" Creus of the criminal case for violation of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act arising from his alleged refusal to release the financial assistance of at least seven fire victims in 2008 because they were identified supporters of his political rival.

The anti-graft court, in a decision penned by acting presiding justice Edilberto Sandoval, said there was no sufficient evidence to prove that Creus acted in "bad faith" and has caused "undue injury" to the complainants.

The Sandiganbayan ruled that there seems to be no indication that partiality or bad faith exists.

It added that while it was suggested that Creus acted with partiality and bad faith in withholding the monetary assistance of the seven out of the 14 fire victims in Upper Poblacion in January 2004 because they were identified supporters of his political rival.

But, according to the anti-graft court, the allegations were not substantiated.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by Maria Theresa Kho Bernales, Philip Kho, Lucila Quinanola, Juanito Kho, Benedicta Amazon, Aurora Collados Uno.

The complainants claimed that their P8,000 each financial assistance from the municipal government after their houses were razed by fire in January 5, 2004 was with-held by Creus.

The complainants alleged that the mayor's action was politically motivated because they were identified supporters of his political rival.

A case for violation of the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act was elevated by the Ombudsman Visayas to the anti-graft court after finding probable cause.

Creus pleaded not guilty to the charge upon arraignment and presented himself as the lone witness for his defense. He also presented several pieces of documentary evidence, which the anti-graft court ruled in his favor. (FREEMAN)