CA junks malversation raps vs John Hay developers

BAGUIO CITY – The Court of Appeals has dismissed two complaints for malversation filed by state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) against the four executives of Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) for lack of probable cause.

The appellate court granted a petition filed by CJHDevCo executives Robert John Sobrepena, Ferdinand Santos, Alfredo Yniguez and Emily  Roces-Falco seeking to set aside an order of Baguio City Judge Cecilia Corazon Dulay-Archog finding probable cause for their arrest and trial.

In a ruling issued on Aug. 12, the CA said the P4.33 million allegedly misused by the CJHDevCo officials was not considered public funds, which is an element in filing malversation raps.

The CA said the case filed by BCDA was a mere civil suit, seeking payment of debts.