13 Cotabato execs cleared of graft

The Sandiganbayan has dismissed graft charges against the mayor and 12 other officials of a North Cotabato town, for lack of probable cause.

The charges against Mayor Patricio Senerez, Vice Mayor Ernesto Concepcion and the other officials of Alamada town stemmed from their refusal to include in the 1998 municipal budget the payment of obligations amounting to P663,491 for public health workers.

In an 11-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan’s fourth division, chaired by Associate Justice Narciso Nario, said the implementation of the Magna Carta for Public Workers (Republic Act 7305) is not solely the concern of local government units.

It cited Ombudsman findings in several cases that the budget and health departments are basically responsible for RA 7305’s implementation.

Also cleared were Alamada budget officer Carmelina Bulagao and councilors Myra Pascua, Yhasser Arat, Noli Doromal, Rodulfo Puno, Genio Demetillo, Ricardo Ortuoste, Leonigildo Calibara, Angelina Fortunato, Turundato Daguruan and Virginita Benito. — Jose Rodel Clapano