Register of Deeds official cleared from graft raps

CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has dismissed the criminal and administrative complaints against an official of the Register of Deeds in Lapu-Lapu City for lack of probable cause.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Marie Fe Frances Seville-Ang has cleared Marlo Cugtas of violation of Section 3 (e), (f), and (h) of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and violation of Section 5 (a) of RA 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“From the foregoing, records are bereft of any showing that the essential elements to constitute the crimes charged appear to exist under the circumstances obtaining. Allegations do not serve to show the existence of probable cause for the crimes charged,” the joint-resolution read.

The case stemmed from a complainant filed by Virginia Samonte.

The complainant said she was the mother of Ivy Catherine Elbert who married to foreign national Scott Elbert. The couple bought a lot from Carmelita Licardo.

Samonte said that real estate broker Remedios Cabuenas introduced her to Concepcion Wagas who promised to facilitate the transfer of title within five days.

Samonte said she gave P500,000 to Wagas as payment for taxes and other expenses needed in the transfer of the title. According to Samonte, she and Wagas met at the office of Cugtas.

After the alleged processing of the documents, Samonte went to the office of Cugtas to claim the title.  How-ever, she was told that it was already claimed by Wagas.

Samonte blamed Cugtas for releasing the document to Wagas without her consent prompting her to file the case at the anti-graft body. —/FPL (FREEMAN)