Ex-MMDA exec to return P5.3 million unexplained wealth

MANILA, Philippines — Unexplained wealth totaling P5.3 million will be returned to the state by a former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)official.

Former MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group director Roberto Esquivel and his wife have withdrawn their appeal and agreed to return the money.

The Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division has granted the withdrawal of their appeal of the San Pedro, Laguna Regional Trial Court’s ruling.

The anti-graft court said the spouses “had unequivocally expressed their intent and willingness to settle such liability” and are “no longer interested in pursuing their appeal.”

The ombudsman had filed a petition for forfeiture of unexplained wealth against them.