Ex-Palawan mayor cleared of graft

MANILA, Philippines — A former town mayor of Palawan has been acquitted of graft over the purchase of a pumpboat in 2011 without public bidding.

Andrew Ong of Cuyo and his co-accused Rellie Alis were cleared of the charges by the Sandiganbayan’s First Division, saying the municipal government saved money with the purchase of the pumpboat, which was used against illegal fishing.

“ Instead of paying the rental for the use of the pumpboat of at least P180,000 from April 1, 2011 to June 20, 2011 in addition to the amount of P200,000, the municipality merely shelled out P200,000,” the ruling read.

The court said there was no proof that Alis received unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference when the municipal government procured the pumpboat without complying with the rules on public bidding.

“If there are benefits, advantage and preference, the same were all reaped not by... Alis but by the Cuyo police and the municipality of Cuyo,” the Sandiganbayan said.