Omico to file graft charge vs DOJ prosecutor

MANILA, Philippines - Listed mining and property firm Omico Corp. is preparing to file graft and corruption charges against a Department of Justice prosecutor after a court cleared two of its top officials in an obstruction of justice case.

The Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila has junked the complaint for obstruction of justice filed against Omico chairman Tommy Kin Hing Tia and SVP/treasurer Juana Lourdes Buyson for lack of evidence.  The filing of the case was approved by DOJ senior assistant state prosecutor Edwin Dayog.

The case stemmed from the syndicated estafa complaint filed by Omico’s estranged partner Guevent Investment Development Corp. in March 2010 before the National Bureau of Investigation against the board of Omico in relation to a stalled property venture in Makati City.

 “We will file a case against DOJ prosecutor Dayog for violation of graft and corrupt practices, disbarment and malicious prosecution.  It is being readied and will be filed soon,” Tia said.

The conflict between Omico and GIDC arose from the listed firm’s alleged refusal to pursue the development of a mixed-use condominium building on a 4,959 square meter lot at the corner of Pasong Tamo extension and EDSA  in violation of the joint venture agreement signed in 1995.

The Guevara family’s GIDC accused the board of diverting P250 million originally intended for the construction of the 28-story building.