Ex-OMB chief appeals Sandigan’s suspension

MANILA, Philippines – Former Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts has asked the Sandiganbayan to lift the 90-day preventive suspension issued against him last month.

In a motion for reconsideration filed with the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division, Ricketts said the suspension order should be lifted since  he resigned from his post in October last year.

Ricketts is running for congressman of Muntinlupa City in the May elections.

Citing provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, Ricketts said he is considered “ipso facto resigned from his post upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy.”

The Sandiganbayan suspended Ricketts over the graft charges he is facing for mishandling confiscated DVDs and VCDs five years ago.

Also suspended were OMB enforcement and inspection division head Manuel Mangubat, investigation agent Joseph Arnaldo and computer operator Glenn Perez.

Ricketts said since he has resigned, his suspension from office ordered by the anti-graft court on Jan. 27 was no longer necessary.