Enrico Echiverri acquitted of graft anew

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Caloocan City mayor Enrico Echiverri of another graft case in connection with the multimillion-peso infrastructure projects during his term.

In a 38-page decision promulgated on Dec. 14 and released to media yesterday, the anti-graft court’s First Division said prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman failed to present sufficient evidence to prove Echiverri’s guilt for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

This is the fourth graft complaint dismissed by the Sandiganbayan out of the 57 cases filed against Echiverri by the ombudsman. 

The ombudsman’s prosecution team has not won a single case against the former mayor so far.

Also cleared of graft were former city accountant Edna Centeno and former city budget officer Jesusa Garcia.

The subject of Echiverri’s recent acquittal was the awarding of a contract to private firm EV & E Construction for the improvement of path walk and drainage system in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang in 2011.

The ombudsman said the contract was awarded to the company without the approval of the city council.