Evidence vs ex-Bataan mayor strong — Sandigan

MANILA, Philippines — There is strong evidence to prove the guilt of former Mariveles, Bataan mayor Angel Peliglorio Jr. in connection with the municipal government’s alleged anomalous purchase of a parcel of land during his term, according to the Sandiganbayan.

“After a careful study, the court finds the evidence presented by the prosecution... together with the stipulations entered into by the parties appear... sufficient for conviction of... Peliglorio... unless successfully rebutted by the defense,” a recent ruling of the anti-graft court’s second division read.

The resolution was penned by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr. and concurred by Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musingi and Lorifel Pahimna.

The court denied Peliglorio’s motion to file a demurrer to evidence, which would have allowed him to seek the dismissal of the case without presenting his counter-evidence. 

The court said the prosecution panel presented documentary evidence and witnesses, including municipal government officials, to prove its allegations.

Filed by the ombudsman in December 2016, the case stemmed from the purchase of 3,777 square meters of land from private individual Lauro Guansing in 2005.

The ombudsman said the transfer certificate of title turned over by Guansing to the municipality covers only 1,131 sqms, ”giving him unwarranted benefits and advantage while causing undue injury to the government.”

Peliglorio is also facing graft and malversation charges before the third division of the Sandiganbayan as the co-accused of businessman Cedric Lee. 

The cases stemmed from the municipal government’s payment of P23 million to Izumo Contractors Inc. owned by Lee for the supposed construction of a public market.

The ombudsman said the market was never constructed.